CVE-2022-22239 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An Execution with Unnecessary Privileges vulnerability in Management Daemon (mgd) of Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved allows a locally authenticated attacker with low privileges to escalate their privileges on the device and potentially remote systems. This vulnerability permits a locally authenticated attacker with access to the ssh operational command to escalate their privileges on the system to root. The affected versions include Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved prior to 20.4R3-S5-EVO; 21.1-EVO versions before 21.1R3-EVO; 21.2-EVO versions earlier than 21.2R2-S1-EVO, 21.2R3-EVO; 21.3-EVO versions before 21.3R2-EVO.

Understanding CVE-2022-22239

This CVE involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved, potentially allowing an attacker to gain root access on the affected device and remote systems.

What is CVE-2022-22239?

CVE-2022-22239 is an Execution with Unnecessary Privileges vulnerability in the Management Daemon of Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved, enabling an authenticated attacker with low privileges to elevate their access.

The Impact of CVE-2022-22239

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as an attacker could potentially escalate their privileges to root on the device and even on remote systems if certain conditions are met.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-22239

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, the affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a locally authenticated attacker to use the ssh operational command to elevate their privileges on the system to root, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved versions prior to 20.4R3-S5-EVO, 21.1-EVO versions before 21.1R3-EVO, 21.2-EVO versions earlier than 21.2R2-S1-EVO and 21.2R3-EVO, and 21.3-EVO versions before 21.3R2-EVO are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

This vulnerability can be exploited by a locally authenticated attacker with low privileges using the ssh operational command to escalate their access to root, potentially impacting remote systems as well.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigation strategies and long-term security practices can help address and prevent vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-22239.

Immediate Steps to Take

A workaround involves modifying the applicable login class(es) to restrict access to the ssh command, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing least privilege access, regular security updates, and monitoring SSH access can enhance the security posture of the system.

Patching and Updates

Juniper Networks has released software updates to address this specific issue in versions 20.4R3-S5-EVO, 21.1R3-EVO, 21.2R2-S1-EVO, 21.2R3-EVO, 21.3R2-EVO, 21.4R1-EVO, and subsequent releases.