CVE-2023-44178 in Junos OS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A Stack-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in the CLI command of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows a low privileged attacker to execute a specific CLI commands leading to Denial of Service.
Repeated actions by the attacker will create a sustained Denial of Service (DoS) condition.
This issue affects Juniper Networks:
Junos OS
* All versions prior to 19.1R3-S10; * 19.2 versions prior to 19.2R3-S7; * 19.3 versions prior to 19.3R3-S8; * 19.4 versions prior to 19.4R3-S12; * 20.2 versions prior to 20.2R3-S8; * 20.4 versions prior to 20.4R3-S8; * 21.2 versions prior to 21.2R3-S6; * 21.3 versions prior to 21.3R3-S5; * 21.4 versions prior to 21.4R3-S5; * 22.1 versions prior to 22.1R3-S3; * 22.2 versions prior to 22.2R3-S2; * 22.3 versions prior to 22.3R3-S1; * 22.4 versions prior to 22.4R2-S1; * 23.2 versions prior to 23.2R2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
This vulnerability represents a stack-based buffer overflow in the command line interface of Juniper Networks Junos OS, classified under CWE-121 as improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer. The flaw exists in the CLI command processing mechanism where insufficient input validation allows attackers to craft malicious command sequences that exceed allocated buffer space. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems running affected versions of Junos OS, creating a path for low privileged users to exploit the buffer overflow condition through carefully constructed CLI commands that trigger memory corruption.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malformed input to CLI commands that process user input without proper bounds checking. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The DoS condition is achieved through repeated exploitation attempts that accumulate memory corruption, eventually causing the system to become unresponsive or crash entirely. This represents a significant operational risk as the vulnerability can be exploited by users with minimal privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to CLI functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the availability of critical network infrastructure. Network administrators face the challenge of maintaining system uptime while applying patches, as the vulnerability can be exploited repeatedly to create sustained DoS conditions that may persist until system restart or patch deployment. The affected versions span multiple major releases, indicating this is a persistent issue requiring comprehensive patch management across Juniper network equipment. Organizations using Juniper devices must prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for prolonged service disruption without requiring advanced exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of official Juniper security patches addressing the buffer overflow condition in CLI processing. Network administrators should implement monitoring for suspicious CLI activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on repeated command execution or unusual input sequences. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use CLI commands to execute malicious payloads. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and privilege reduction measures can limit the impact of potential exploitation by restricting access to CLI functionality. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of affected software versions within the network infrastructure.