CVE-2020-1654 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

On Juniper Networks SRX Series with ICAP redirect service enabled, processing a malformed HTTP message can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) or Remote Code Execution (RCE). This CVE affects various versions of Junos OS on SRX Series.

Understanding CVE-2020-1654

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Junos OS on SRX Series that could result in a Denial of Service or Remote Code Execution when processing a malformed HTTP message.

What is CVE-2020-1654?

CVE-2020-1654 is a security vulnerability in Juniper Networks' Junos OS on SRX Series routers. By exploiting this issue, an attacker could cause a Denial of Service (DoS) or potentially execute remote code on the affected device.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1654

CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
Attack Vector: Network
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1654

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

When ICAP redirect service is enabled, processing a malformed HTTP message can trigger a flowd process crash or remote code execution on Juniper Networks SRX Series.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Platforms: SRX Series
Affected Versions:
18.1 versions prior to 18.1R3-S9
18.2 versions prior to 18.2R2-S7, 18.2R3-S3
18.3 versions prior to 18.3R1-S7, 18.3R2-S4, 18.3R3-S1
18.4 versions prior to 18.4R1-S7, 18.4R2-S4, 18.4R3
19.1 versions prior to 19.1R1-S5, 19.1R2
19.2 versions prior to 19.2R1-S2, 19.2R2
19.3 versions prior to 19.3R2
Unaffected: Versions 18.1R3-S9 and later

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises when processing a malformed HTTP message with the ICAP redirect service enabled. It could lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) or Remote Code Execution (RCE) on the targeted system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-1654, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Junos OS to the fixed versions mentioned in the solution section.
Consider disabling the ICAP redirect service if it is not essential.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor Juniper Networks security advisories for updates.
Implement network traffic filtering and intrusion detection mechanisms.

Patching and Updates

Ensure all relevant software releases are up to date to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.