Juniper Junos OS authentication backdoor - 20231023003

Overview

An Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS allows an unauthenticated attacker with local access to the device to create a backdoor with root privileges. The issue is caused by improper directory permissions on a certain system directory, allowing an attacker with access to this directory to create a backdoor with root privileges.

What is the vulnerability?

CVE-2023-44194 - CVSS v3 Base Score: 8.4

What is vulnerable?

This issue affects Juniper Networks Junos OS:

• All versions prior to 20.4R3-S5;
• 21.1 versions prior to 21.1R3-S4;
• 21.2 versions prior to 21.2R3-S4;
• 21.3 versions prior to 21.3R3-S3;
• 21.4 versions prior to 21.4R3-S1.

What has been observed?

There is no evidence of exploitation affecting Western Australian Government networks at the time of publishing.

Recommendation

The WA SOC recommends administrators apply the solutions as per vendor instructions to all affected devices within expected timeframe of one month (refer Patch Management):

Review the following bulletin for further information: Juniper Junos OS 2023-10 Security bulletin