Junos OS: Improper Following of Specification by Caller
CVE-2025-21601 is a high-severity improper following of specification by caller 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 21.4R3-S9, 22.2R3-S5, 22.4R3-S4 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 0.43% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Junos OS to 21.4R3-S9 or 22.2R3-S5 or 22.4R3-S4 or 23.2R2-S3, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on supportportal.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 21.4R3-S9; 22.2 up to, but not including, 22.2R3-S5; 22.4 up to, but not including, 22.4R3-S4; 23.2 up to, but not including, 23.2R2-S3; 23.4 up to, but not including, 23.4R2-S3; 24.2 up to, but not including, 24.2R1-S1, 24.2R2 | 21.4R3-S9, 22.2R3-S5, 22.4R3-S4, 23.2R2-S3, 23.4R2-S3, 24.2R1-S1, 24.2R2 |
| Juniper Networks | Junos | 21.4 and earlier; 21.4; 22.2; 22.4; 23.2; 23.4; 24.2 | Not stated |
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).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.7 | High | CNA (juniper.net) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (juniper.net) |
Official description
An Improper Following of Specification by Caller vulnerability in web management (J-Web, Captive Portal, 802.1X, Juniper Secure Connect (JSC) of Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX Series, EX Series, MX240, MX480, MX960, QFX5120 Series, allows an unauthenticated, network-based attacker, sending genuine traffic targeted to the device to cause the CPU to climb until the device becomes unresponsive. Continuous receipt of these packets will create a sustained Denial of Service (DoS) condition. This issue affects Junos OS: * All versions before 21.4R3-S9, * from 22.2 before 22.2R3-S5, * from 22.4 before 22.4R3-S4, * from 23.2 before 23.2R2-S3, * from 23.4 before 23.4R2-S3, * from 24.2 before 24.2R1-S1, 24.2R2. An indicator of compromise is to review the CPU % of the httpd process in the CLI: e.g. show system processes extensive | match httpd PID nobody 52 0 20M 191M select 2 0:01 80.00% httpd{httpd} <<<<< the percentage of httpd usage if high may be an indicator
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Following of Specification by Caller
The product does not follow or incorrectly follows the specifications as required by the implementation language, environment, framework, protocol, or platform.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- When leveraging external functionality, such as an API, it is important that the caller does so in accordance with the requirements of the external functionality.
More Improper Following of Specification by Caller vulnerabilities (CWE-573)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, 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
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