CVE-2022-22192 in Junos OS Evolved
Summary
by MITRE • 10/18/2022
An Improper Validation of Syntactic Correctness of Input vulnerability in the kernel of Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved on PTX series allows a network-based, unauthenticated attacker to cause a Denial of Service (DoS). When an incoming TCP packet destined to the device is malformed there is a possibility of a kernel panic. Only TCP packets destined to the ports for BGP, LDP and MSDP can trigger this. This issue only affects PTX10004, PTX10008, PTX10016. No other PTX Series devices or other platforms are affected. This issue affects Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved: 20.4-EVO versions prior to 20.4R3-S4-EVO; 21.3-EVO versions prior to 21.3R3-EVO; 21.4-EVO versions prior to 21.4R3-EVO; 22.1-EVO versions prior to 22.1R2-EVO. This issue does not affect Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved versions prior to 20.4R1-EVO.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical kernel-level flaw in Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved affecting specific PTX series devices. The issue stems from inadequate input validation during TCP packet processing, specifically when handling malformed packets destined for BGP, LDP, and MSDP ports. According to CWE-254, this constitutes a weakness in input validation that allows malicious actors to exploit the system through improper syntactic correctness checking. The vulnerability operates at the network kernel level, where the operating system fails to properly validate TCP packet headers before processing them, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to trigger system instability.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an attacker to send specifically crafted malformed TCP packets to designated ports used by Border Gateway Protocol, Label Distribution Protocol, and Multicast Source Discovery Protocol services. This targeted approach limits the attack surface to only these three protocols while maintaining the potential for complete system compromise. The kernel panic occurs when the system attempts to process these malformed packets without proper validation, leading to a denial of service condition that renders the affected device inoperable. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which describes network denial of service attacks targeting system resources.
The operational impact extends beyond simple service disruption as this vulnerability can render critical network infrastructure unusable, potentially affecting routing operations and network connectivity for organizations relying on these devices. The affected PTX series devices PTX10004, PTX10008, and PTX10016 represent high-end platform equipment where service availability is paramount. Organizations using these specific models in production environments face significant risk of network outages and operational disruption. The vulnerability affects multiple software versions across different release trains, indicating a widespread issue that requires comprehensive patch management across the Juniper EVO platform ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected Junos OS Evolved versions, with particular attention to the specified version ranges requiring updates. Network administrators should implement temporary network segmentation to isolate affected devices and monitor for suspicious traffic patterns. The patching process must be carefully coordinated to avoid service disruption while ensuring complete protection against exploitation. Additionally, implementing network access control lists to restrict access to BGP, LDP, and MSDP ports from untrusted networks can provide additional defense in depth. Organizations should also consider monitoring for malformed TCP packets targeting these specific ports as an early warning indicator of potential exploitation attempts.