CVE-2016-1264 in Junos
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the Op command in Juniper Junos OS before 12.1X44-D55, 12.1X46 before 12.1X46-D40, 12.1X47 before 12.1X47-D25, 12.3 before 12.3R11, 12.3X48 before 12.3X48-D20, 12.3X50 before 12.3X50-D50, 13.2 before 13.2R8, 13.2X51 before 13.2X51-D39, 13.2X52 before 13.2X52-D30, 13.3 before 13.3R7, 14.1 before 14.1R6, 14.1X53 before 14.1X53-D30, 14.2 before 14.2R4, 15.1 before 15.1F2 or 15.1R2, 15.1X49 before 15.1X49-D10 or 15.1X49-D20, and 16.1 before 16.1R1 allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges via the URL option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-1264 represents a race condition flaw within the Op command implementation of Juniper Junos OS operating systems. This race condition specifically manifests in the handling of URL options during command execution, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system's privilege escalation mechanisms. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Junos OS spanning from 12.1X44-D55 through various release branches including 15.1X49-D10 and 15.1X49-D20, as well as 16.1R1, indicating a widespread issue across the Juniper networking platform ecosystem. The race condition occurs when multiple processes or threads attempt to access shared resources simultaneously, creating unpredictable behavior that can be leveraged by attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the Op command's URL processing functionality. When an authenticated user submits a command containing URL options, the system fails to properly coordinate concurrent access to critical resources during the command execution phase. This race condition creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the timing of operations to bypass normal access controls and privilege checks. The flaw essentially allows an authenticated user to perform operations that should require elevated privileges, effectively enabling privilege escalation without proper authorization. The vulnerability's exploitation relies on the attacker's ability to control the timing and sequence of command execution, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through conventional security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1264 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of affected Juniper networking devices. Network administrators who rely on Junos OS for critical infrastructure management face significant risks when these devices are compromised, as attackers can potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive network configurations, routing tables, and control plane functions. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation can occur from external networks without requiring physical access to the devices. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and service provider networks where Junos OS devices serve as core routing and switching infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt network operations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network environment.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Juniper security patches and updates released to address this vulnerability. The affected versions require specific version upgrades to remediate the race condition in the Op command's URL handling. Network security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging controls to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions in software systems, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any devices running affected Junos OS versions and prioritize patching based on risk assessment. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that all network devices maintain current security configurations and patches.