CVE-2017-2312 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Juniper Networks devices running Junos OS with LDP enabled are susceptible to a denial of service vulnerability due to a memory leak. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2017-2312, can lead to the crash and restart of the rpd process when a specific LDP packet is repeatedly sent to the Routing Engine (RE).

Understanding CVE-2017-2312

This CVE affects various versions of Junos OS with LDP enabled, impacting the memory allocation for the rpd process.

What is CVE-2017-2312?

In Juniper Networks devices with affected Junos OS versions and LDP enabled, a particular LDP packet sent to the RE gradually exhausts memory allocated for the rpd process, potentially causing a crash and restart of the process.

The Impact of CVE-2017-2312

The vulnerability results in a denial of service condition due to a memory leak, affecting the stability and performance of the affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-2312

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a specific LDP packet consuming memory allocated for the rpd process, leading to memory depletion and process restart.

Affected Systems and Versions

Junos OS 13.3 prior to 13.3R10
Junos OS 14.1 prior to 14.1R8
Junos OS 14.2 prior to 14.2R7-S6 or 14.2R8
Junos OS 15.1 prior to 15.1F2-S14, 15.1F6-S4, 15.1F7, 15.1R4-S7, 15.1R5
Junos OS 15.1X49 before 15.1X49-D70
Junos OS 15.1X53 before 15.1X53-D230, 15.1X53-D63, 15.1X53-D70
Junos OS 16.1 before 16.1R2
Junos OS 16.2R1 and later releases

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by repeatedly sending a specific LDP packet to the RE, gradually depleting memory allocated for the rpd process and causing a crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-2312 involves taking immediate and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious LDP packets.
Implement firewall rules to restrict LDP traffic.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Junos OS to the latest stable version.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities.
Train network administrators on best practices for network security.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that affected systems are updated to Junos OS 16.2R1 or later, which includes a resolution for CVE-2017-2312.