CVE-2017-2308 in Junos Space
Summary
by MITRE
An XML External Entity Injection vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos Space versions prior to 16.1R1 may allow an authenticated user to read arbitrary files on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2308 represents a critical XML External Entity Injection flaw within Juniper Networks Junos Space platform versions earlier than 16.1R1. This security weakness resides in the platform's processing of XML data and specifically affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms that govern access to system resources. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of XML entities within the Junos Space management interface, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation by authenticated users who possess legitimate access credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker with valid authentication credentials to manipulate XML parsing functions within the Junos Space application. When the system processes XML requests containing external entity references, it fails to properly validate or restrict these references, enabling the attacker to construct malicious XML payloads that can traverse the file system and access arbitrary files on the underlying device. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the standard XML parsing behavior where external entities can be resolved and processed, creating a direct pathway to information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2308 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to extract sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially credentials stored on the Junos Space appliance. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can enable further escalation attacks, as access to system files may reveal additional attack vectors or sensitive information that could be used for privilege escalation. The authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but once achieved, they can perform extensive reconnaissance and data exfiltration from the compromised system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-611, which specifically addresses Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1005, which involves data from local system repositories. The flaw represents a significant risk to network infrastructure management platforms, as Junos Space serves as a central management interface for Juniper network devices, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on the platform for device management and monitoring. Organizations using affected versions face potential exposure to credential theft, configuration disclosure, and potential system compromise that could affect their entire network infrastructure.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of Juniper's official security patches and updates to versions 16.1R1 and later, which address the XML parsing validation issues through proper input sanitization and entity restriction mechanisms. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring and access controls around the Junos Space management interface, including limiting access to trusted IP ranges and implementing multi-factor authentication where possible. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that all components of the network management infrastructure remain secure against similar threats.