CVE-2015-3007 in Junos
Summary
by MITRE
The Juniper SRX Series services gateways with Junos OS 12.1X46 before 12.1X46-D35, 12.1X47 before 12.1X47-D25, and 12.3X48 before 12.3X48-D15 do not properly implement the "set system ports console insecure" feature, which allows physically proximate attackers to gain administrative privileges by leveraging access to the console port.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3007 affects Juniper SRX Series services gateways running specific versions of Junos OS, creating a critical security flaw in the console port access control mechanism. This issue stems from improper implementation of the "set system ports console insecure" configuration feature, which was designed to allow console access without authentication requirements. The vulnerability exists in multiple Junos OS release branches including 12.1X46 before 12.1X46-D35, 12.1X47 before 12.1X47-D25, and 12.3X48 before 12.3X48-D15, representing a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can physically access the device console port. The flaw fundamentally undermines the security model of these network appliances by allowing unauthorized administrative access through a legitimate but improperly secured access point.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when administrators configure the insecure console feature, which should only be used in controlled environments where physical security is guaranteed. However, the Junos OS implementation fails to properly enforce access controls, allowing attackers with physical proximity to the device to exploit this misconfiguration and escalate privileges to administrative level access. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where the attacker leverages legitimate system access to gain elevated privileges, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal attack surface - only physical access to the console port, which is typically considered a trusted access point within network infrastructure devices.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for organizations deploying Juniper SRX Series gateways in environments where physical security cannot be guaranteed or where unauthorized personnel might gain access to the device console. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the network gateway, enabling them to modify firewall rules, access network traffic, disable security features, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and initial access categories, specifically targeting the console interface as an attack vector. The weakness also aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control in system interfaces, and CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can occur when system interfaces are not properly secured.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to patched versions of Junos OS, reviewing and removing unnecessary console access configurations, and implementing robust physical security controls around network infrastructure devices. The recommended remediation involves applying the appropriate Junos OS patches that correct the console access control implementation and disabling the insecure console feature unless absolutely necessary for specific operational requirements. Additionally, network administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any devices running vulnerable versions and ensure proper segregation of console access through physical security measures, access control lists, and monitoring of console activity. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper configuration management and the principle of least privilege in network security, particularly for core infrastructure devices that serve as gateways for network traffic and security policy enforcement.