Junos OS: Improper Update of Reference Count
CVE-2023-22394 is a high-severity improper update of reference count vulnerability in Junos OS from Juniper Networks, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 19.3R3-S7, 19.4R2-S8, 19.4R3-S10, 20.1* as the first without the flaw, so updating Junos OS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.66% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 52% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Junos OS to 19.3R3-S7 or 19.4R2-S8, 19.4R3-S10 or 20.1* or 20.2R3-S6, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update Junos to 19.3 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on kb.juniper.net for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juniper Networks | Junos OS | before 19.3R3-S7; 19.4 up to, but not including, 19.4R2-S8, 19.4R3-S10; 20.1R1 up to, but not including, 20.1*; 20.2 up to, but not including, 20.2R3-S6; 20.3 up to, but not including, 20.3R3-S6; 20.4 up to, but not including, 20.4R3-S5; 21.1 up to, but not including, 21.1R3-S5; 21.2 up to, but not including, 21.2R3-S1; and 3 more ranges | 19.3R3-S7, 19.4R2-S8, 19.4R3-S10, 20.1*, 20.2R3-S6, 20.3R3-S6, 20.4R3-S5 |
| Juniper Networks | Junos | before 19.3; 19.3; 19.4; 20.1; 20.2; 20.3; 20.4; 21.1; and 4 more ranges | 19.3 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by CNA (juniper.net).
Official description
An Improper Handling of Unexpected Data Type vulnerability in the handling of SIP calls in Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX Series and MX Series platforms allows an attacker to cause a memory leak leading to Denial of Services (DoS). This issue occurs on all MX Series platforms with MS-MPC or MS-MIC card and all SRX Series platforms where SIP ALG is enabled. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability prevents additional SIP calls and applications from succeeding. The SIP ALG needs to be enabled, either implicitly / by default or by way of configuration. To confirm whether SIP ALG is enabled on SRX use the following command: user@host> show security alg status | match sip SIP : Enabled This issue affects Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX Series and on MX Series: All versions prior to 19.3R3-S7; 19.4 versions prior to 19.4R2-S8, 19.4R3-S10; 20.1 versions 20.1R1 and later versions; 20.2 versions prior to 20.2R3-S6; 20.3 versions prior to 20.3R3-S6; 20.4 versions prior to 20.4R3-S5; 21.1 versions prior to 21.1R3-S5; 21.2 versions prior to 21.2R3-S1; 21.3 versions prior to 21.3R3; 21.4 versions prior to 21.4R2-S2, 21.4R3; 22.1 versions prior to 22.1R1-S2, 22.1R2, 22.1R3-S1. This issue does not affect Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX Series and on MX Series: All versions prior to 18.2R1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Update of Reference Count
The product uses a reference count to manage a resource, but it does not update or incorrectly updates the reference count.
More Improper Update of Reference Count vulnerabilities (CWE-911)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in Junos OS
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Update of Reference Count vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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