Traffic Management Microkernel Termination in F5 BIG-IP with ePVA Feature
CVE-2025-53856

8.7HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

F5
Status
Big-ip
Vendor
CVE Published:
15 October 2025

What is CVE-2025-53856?

A vulnerability exists in F5 BIG-IP systems where the use of the embedded Packet Velocity Acceleration (ePVA) feature can lead to the termination of the Traffic Management Microkernel (TMM) when certain undisclosed traffic patterns are identified. This termination can cause disruptions in service by affecting the management and processing of network traffic. It is crucial for administrators to review their platforms for ePVA chip integration and implement necessary safeguards, especially before systems reach End of Technical Support (EoTS).

Affected Version(s)

BIG-IP 17.5.0 < 17.5.1.3

BIG-IP 17.1.0 < 17.1.3

BIG-IP 16.1.0 < 16.1.6.1

References

https://my.f5.com/manage/s/article/K000156707
vendor-advisory

CVSS V4

Score:
8.7
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
None
Integrity:
None
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Attack Required:
None
Privileges Required:
Undefined
User Interaction:
None

Timeline

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

F5
JSON
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CVE-2025-53856 : Traffic Management Microkernel Termination in F5 BIG-IP with ePVA Feature