CVE-2019-0044 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in Juniper Networks SRX5000 Series devices running Junos OS could allow an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) by sending a specially crafted packet to the out-of-band management interface.

Understanding CVE-2019-0044

This CVE involves a kernel crash (vmcore) triggered by a specific packet received on the fxp0 interface in Juniper SRX5000 Series devices.

What is CVE-2019-0044?

Receiving a particular packet through the out-of-band management interface fxp0 can lead to a system crash and restart (vmcore). By consistently sending a specifically crafted packet to the fxp0 interface, an attacker can repetitively crash the rpd process, resulting in a prolonged Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

The Impact of CVE-2019-0044

CVSS Base Score: 7.5 (High)
Attack Vector: Network
Availability Impact: High
Attack Complexity: Low
No user interaction or privileges required
This vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity but can lead to a system crash and DoS.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-0044

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to crash the system by sending a specific packet to the fxp0 interface, causing a DoS condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Platforms: SRX5000 series
Affected Versions:
Junos OS 12.1X46 versions prior to 12.1X46-D82
Junos OS 12.3X48 versions prior to 12.3X48-D80
Junos OS 15.1X49 versions prior to 15.1X49-D160

Exploitation Mechanism

Juniper SIRT has not detected any malicious exploitation of this vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2019-0044 with the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the provided software updates: 12.1X46-D82, 12.3X48-D80, 15.1X49-D160, and all subsequent releases.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update your Junos OS installations.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.