CVE-2021-0260 : What You Need to Know

An improper authorization vulnerability in the Simple Network Management Protocol daemon (snmpd) service of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows unauthenticated attackers to perform SNMP read and write actions without authentication. This affects certain versions of Junos OS, making devices vulnerable to exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2021-0260

This CVE highlights a security flaw in Juniper Networks Junos OS related to SNMP authorization checks.

What is CVE-2021-0260?

CVE-2021-0260 refers to an improper authorization vulnerability in the SNMP service of Juniper Networks Junos OS that allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate device data without proper authentication.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0260

This vulnerability enables unauthorized users to execute SNMP read and write actions on affected devices, potentially leading to data exposure and system control by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0260

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including affected systems, exploitation mechanisms, and descriptions.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the SNMP service's failure to perform proper authorization checks, allowing unauthenticated users to interact with the device's data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Juniper Networks Junos OS versions ranging from 17.2 to 19.3 are affected by this vulnerability, while versions prior to 17.2R1 remain unaffected.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending unauthenticated SNMP requests to the affected devices, bypassing the authorization checks.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, you will find essential steps to mitigate the impact of CVE-2021-0260 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable SNMP support for the mgmt_junos routing interface using the provided workaround command to protect devices from exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Update Junos OS to the patched versions (17.3R3-S9, 17.4R2-S12, etc.) to address and resolve this vulnerability effectively.

Patching and Updates

Juniper Networks has released software updates to fix this issue. Ensure you update affected devices to the recommended software versions to prevent unauthorized access.