CVE-2021-0242 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2021-0242, a vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS on EX4300 switches that allows for a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. Find out the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS on EX4300 switches allows an attacker to trigger a Denial of Service (DoS) condition by exhausting DMA buffers, leading to FPC crashes and device restarts.
Understanding CVE-2021-0242
This CVE highlights a vulnerability in Junos OS on EX4300 switches that can be exploited to cause FPC crashes when specific frames are received on an interface without L2PT or dot1x configured.
What is CVE-2021-0242?
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of direct memory access (DMA) buffers, enabling attackers to exhaust these buffers through specific unicast frames, resulting in a DoS condition.
The Impact of CVE-2021-0242
The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition, causing FPC crashes and device restarts, affecting the performance and uptime of Juniper Networks Junos OS on EX4300 switches.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-0242
This vulnerability affects Junos OS versions on EX4300 switches prior to certain specified releases, leading to potential security risks.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability is caused by improper DMA buffer handling, resulting in FPC crashes and device restarts upon receiving specific unicast frames on susceptible interfaces.
Affected Systems and Versions
Juniper Networks Junos OS on EX4300 switches version 17.3 to 20.3 are vulnerable to this issue if they are not updated to the specified patched releases.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specific unicast frames to exhaust DMA buffers, causing a crash of the FPC and subsequent device restart.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address this vulnerability, it is crucial to implement the recommended solutions and updates provided by Juniper Networks.
Immediate Steps to Take
Ensure that Junos OS on EX4300 switches is updated to the patched releases to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor and apply security updates from Juniper Networks to mitigate potential risks and maintain a secure network environment.
Patching and Updates
Juniper Networks has released software updates that address this specific vulnerability. Updating to the recommended versions is essential to prevent exploitation of this issue.