FLASH ALERT – F5 Networks Breach Exposes BIG-IP Source Code - Imminent action required!

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Publié : 17/10/2025

Risks

A highly sophisticated, nation-state-affiliated actor exfiltrated F5 source code and vulnerability data — this increases near-term risk to organisations running F5 products;

Immediate inventory, patching, and targeted threat-hunting are required.

Technical Summary

F5 confirmed that its internal network was compromised, allowing attackers to access and exfiltrate source code and vulnerability information related to several F5 products.

The attack is believed to be carried out by a highly sophisticated state-sponsored group conducting long-term espionage.

With access to internal code, the attackers can study how F5 devices work, discover new security flaws, and create custom exploits before public patches are available.

Because BIG-IP devices operate at the edge of networks—managing web traffic, VPNs, and authentication—successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution, credential theft, and full network compromise.

Recommended Actions

Identify and Isolate F5 Devices

  • Locate all F5 products in your environment (BIG-IP, BIG-IQ, APM, F5OS).
  • Ensure management interfaces are not exposed to the internet.

Apply Security Updates

  • Install the latest patches and follow mitigations provided by F5.
  • If updates cannot be applied right away, restrict access to management ports.

Monitor for Suspicious Activity

  • Look for unexpected admin logins, configuration changes, or outbound traffic from F5 devices.
  • Enable detailed logging and forward data to your SIEM for analysis.

Rotate Credentials and Certificates

  • Change all passwords, API keys, and SSL certificates stored on or managed by F5 appliances.

Stay Updated

  • Follow ongoing advisories from F5 for new IOCs and detection guidance.
  • Report any suspected compromise as soon as possible

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