CVE-2018-0001 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A use-after-free defect in older versions of PHP can be exploited through injection of crafted data via specific PHP URLs within the J-Web process, potentially allowing remote code execution without authentication.

Understanding CVE-2018-0001

This CVE involves unauthenticated remote code execution through the J-Web interface.

What is CVE-2018-0001?

Exploiting a use-after-free defect in older versions of PHP through injection of specifically crafted data via certain PHP URLs within the context of the J-Web process may allow a remote attacker, without authentication, to execute code.

The Impact of CVE-2018-0001

CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: None
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High
Scope: Unchanged
User Interaction: None
Vector String: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Technical Details of CVE-2018-0001

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to execute code by exploiting a use-after-free defect in older versions of PHP through injection of crafted data via specific PHP URLs within the J-Web process.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following versions of Juniper Networks Junos OS are affected:

12.1X46 versions prior to 12.1X46-D67
12.3 versions prior to 12.3R12-S5
12.3X48 versions prior to 12.3X48-D35
14.1 versions prior to 14.1R8-S5, 14.1R9
14.1X53 versions prior to 14.1X53-D44, 14.1X53-D50
14.2 versions prior to 14.2R7-S7, 14.2R8
15.1 versions prior to 15.1R3
15.1X49 versions prior to 15.1X49-D30
15.1X53 versions prior to 15.1X53-D70

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting specifically crafted data via certain PHP URLs within the J-Web process, enabling remote code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2018-0001 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the patched software releases provided by Juniper Networks.
Disable J-Web or restrict access to trusted hosts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Junos OS to the latest versions to ensure security.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that your systems are running the following updated software releases to address this vulnerability:

12.1X46-D67
12.3R12-S8*
12.3X48-D55
14.1R8-S5, 14.1R9
14.1X53-D44, 14.1X53-D50
14.2R7-S7, 14.2R8
15.1F5-S8, 15.1F6-S8, 15.1R5-S6, 15.1R7, 15.1X49-D100, 15.1X53-D70, 16.1R4-S6, 16.1R5, 16.2R2-S2, 16.2R3, 17.1R2-S5*, 17.1R3*, 17.2R2, 17.3R1, and all subsequent releases.

*Pending release

NOTE: Even though certain versions are not vulnerable, it is recommended to apply the updates as a proactive security measure.