CVE-2023-28959 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-28959 pertains to an Improper Check or Handling of Exceptional Conditions vulnerability in the packet processing of Juniper Networks Junos OS on QFX10002. It allows an unauthenticated attacker within the local broadcast domain to send a specific malformed packet to the device, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS) condition.

Understanding CVE-2023-28959

This section provides an insight into the nature and impact of CVE-2023-28959.

What is CVE-2023-28959?

CVE-2023-28959 is a vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS on QFX10002 that enables an unauthenticated attacker to trigger a Denial of Service condition by sending a malformed packet to the device within the local broadcast domain.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28959

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to all Packet Forwarding Engines (PFEs) other than the inbound PFE wedging and eventually restarting, causing a sustained Denial of Service (DoS) condition. Transit traffic does not trigger this issue.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28959

Delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-28959 to understand its vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper handling of exceptional conditions in packet processing, allowing an adjacent attacker to disrupt PFEs in Juniper Networks Junos OS on QFX10002.

Affected Systems and Versions

This vulnerability affects Juniper Networks Junos OS on QFX10002 across various versions: 19.1R3-S10, 19.4R3-S11, 20.2R3-S7, 20.4R3-S6, 21.1R3-S4, 21.2R3-S4, 21.3R3-S3, 21.4R3-S2, 22.1R3-S1, 22.2R2-S1, 22.2R3, 22.3R1-S2, and 22.3R2.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker sending a specific malformed packet to the device within the local broadcast domain, triggering the Denial of Service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-28959 to safeguard your systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

As there are no available workarounds for this issue, it is crucial to apply the provided software updates promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement network segmentation and access controls to minimize the impact of potential vulnerabilities within the broadcast domain.

Patching and Updates

The issue can be resolved by updating the Juniper Networks Junos OS on QFX10002 to the recommended software releases: 19.4R3-S11, 20.2R3-S7, 20.4R3-S6, 21.1R3-S4, 21.2R3-S4, 21.3R3-S3, 21.4R3-S2, 22.1R3-S1, 22.2R2-S1, 22.2R3, 22.3R1-S2, 22.3R2, 22.4R1, and all subsequent versions.