CVE-2018-0025 in SRX
Summary
by MITRE
When an SRX Series device is configured to use HTTP/HTTPS pass-through authentication services, a client sending authentication credentials in the initial HTTP/HTTPS session is at risk that these credentials may be captured during follow-on HTTP/HTTPS requests by a malicious actor through a man-in-the-middle attack or by authentic servers subverted by malicious actors. FTP, and Telnet pass-through authentication services are not affected. Affected releases are Juniper Networks SRX Series: 12.1X46 versions prior to 12.1X46-D67 on SRX Series; 12.3X48 versions prior to 12.3X48-D25 on SRX Series; 15.1X49 versions prior to 15.1X49-D35 on SRX Series.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2023
This vulnerability exists within Juniper Networks SRX Series devices when configured to utilize HTTP/HTTPS pass-through authentication services, representing a significant security flaw that undermines the integrity of authentication processes. The issue stems from the device's handling of authentication credentials during initial sessions, where credentials transmitted in the first HTTP/HTTPS request can be intercepted by malicious actors during subsequent requests. This weakness specifically affects the SRX Series firewall platforms and manifests in multiple software versions including 12.1X46 prior to 12.1X46-D67, 12.3X48 prior to 12.3X48-D25, and 15.1X49 prior to 15.1X49-D35, creating a persistent risk across different firmware releases.
The technical implementation flaw involves the improper management of authentication state information within the pass-through authentication mechanism. When users authenticate through HTTP/HTTPS services, the system fails to properly secure subsequent requests that may be intercepted or manipulated by adversaries. This vulnerability operates under the principle of credential exposure during network communication, where the initial authentication credentials are not adequately protected or encrypted for follow-on transactions. The flaw does not affect FTP or Telnet pass-through authentication services, indicating that the vulnerability is specific to the HTTP/HTTPS protocol handling within the SRX Series platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can capture authentication credentials during legitimate user sessions. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can intercept sensitive information including usernames, passwords, and potentially session tokens that would normally be protected. The vulnerability allows for credential replay attacks and session hijacking, potentially providing unauthorized access to systems protected by the SRX Series firewall. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where the SRX Series is used as a gateway for enterprise authentication services, as it could compromise the entire authentication infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to the affected versions, specifically applying the recommended patches for 12.1X46-D67, 12.3X48-D25, and 15.1X49-D35 releases. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as enforcing HTTPS encryption for all authentication traffic, implementing network segmentation to isolate authentication services, and deploying monitoring solutions to detect anomalous authentication patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-319 (CWE-319: Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information) categories, representing weaknesses in how sensitive data is handled during network transmission. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1110 (Brute Force) and T1075 (Pass the Hash) techniques, as it enables credential theft that can be leveraged for further unauthorized access attempts. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of credential compromise and ensure comprehensive protection against this specific vulnerability.