CVE-2018-5546: F5 Networks, Inc. BIG-IP APM client for Linux…

CVE-2018-5546: The svpn and policyserver components of the F5 BIG-IP APM client prior to version 7.1.7.1 for Linux and mac...

The svpn and policyserver components of the F5 BIG-IP APM client prior to version 7.1.7.1 for Linux and macOS runs as a privileged process and can allow an unprivileged user to get ownership of files owned by root on the local client host. A malicious local unprivileged user may gain knowledge of sensitive information, manipulate certain data, or assume super-user privileges on the local client host.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdatedSep 17, 2024, 02:31 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Security readout for executives and security teams

This vulnerability affects F5 BIG-IP APM client software on Linux and macOS before version 7.1.7.1. A local, non-admin user on an affected endpoint could abuse privileged client components to take ownership of root-owned files, potentially exposing sensitive information or gaining root-level control. Exposure is limited to Linux and macOS endpoints with the F5 BIG-IP APM client installed below version 7.1.7.1. Organizations using F5 APM for remote access should check managed and unmanaged endpoint populations. Treat this as an endpoint privilege escalation risk for organizations using F5 APM remote access clients. It is not documented as actively exploited in the provided sources, but the potential impact includes root-level compromise on affected client machines. Mitigation focus: Upgrade affected BIG-IP APM clients to version 7.1.7.1 or later per F5 guidance.; Inventory Linux and macOS endpoints for installed BIG-IP APM clients.; Restrict local user access on endpoints until affected clients are updated..

Prepared: Jun 7, 2026, 05:54 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record

Severity: Unknown
CVSS: Not scored
Known Exploited: No
Published: Aug 17, 2018, 13:00 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors

0Timeline events

0ADP providers

3Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K54431371CVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
https://github.com/mirchr/security-research/blob/master/vulnerabilities/F5/CVE-2018-5529.txtCVE reference · x_refsource_MISC

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus

F5 Networks, Inc.BIG-IP APM client for LinuxPrior to version 7.1.7.1Listed

F5 Networks, Inc.BIG-IP APM client for macOSPrior to version 7.1.7.1Listed

Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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