CVE-2023-28983 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to an OS Command Injection vulnerability in the gRPC Network Operations Interface (gNOI) server module of Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved, allowing an authenticated, low-privileged network-based attacker to inject shell commands and execute code. The vulnerability affects Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved version 21.4R1-EVO and later versions prior to 22.1R1-EVO.

Understanding CVE-2023-28983

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-28983, including its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-28983?

CVE-2023-28983 is classified as a CWE-78 OS Command Injection vulnerability, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands via the gNOI server module in Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28983

This vulnerability poses a high risk as it allows attackers to execute malicious commands on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28983

In this section, we elaborate on the technical specifics of CVE-2023-28983, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the gNOI server module of Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved permits authenticated attackers to inject shell commands and execute arbitrary code, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved versions 21.4R1-EVO and older, up to 22.1R1-EVO are impacted by this vulnerability, potentially exposing systems running these versions to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted requests to the gNOI server, enabling them to execute arbitrary shell commands within the context of the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-28983, immediate actions should be taken to secure the vulnerable systems and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Utilize access lists or firewall filters to restrict access to trusted administrative networks, hosts, and users, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a comprehensive security policy, including routine vulnerability assessments, timely software updates, and user awareness training to bolster the overall security posture of the network infrastructure.

Patching and Updates

Juniper Networks has released software updates to address CVE-2023-28983. Ensure that affected systems are upgraded to the patched versions, such as 22.2R1-EVO, 22.3R1-EVO, and subsequent releases, to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.