CVE-2021-0246 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-0246 affecting Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX1500, SRX4100, SRX4200, SRX4600, SRX5000 Series with SPC2/SPC3. Understand the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability exists in Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX1500, SRX4100, SRX4200, SRX4600, SRX5000 Series with SPC2/SPC3, potentially allowing a tenant host administrator to impact other tenant networks or extract information from other networks.
Understanding CVE-2021-0246
In a multi-tenant environment, a tenant host administrator may exploit incorrect default permissions to compromise network isolation.
What is CVE-2021-0246?
Due to incorrect default permissions, a tenant system administrator could manipulate network traffic, affecting multiple tenants and the service provider. This vulnerability impacts specific versions of Junos OS on Juniper Networks devices.
The Impact of CVE-2021-0246
The vulnerability may lead to unauthorized access and modification of network traffic, potentially disrupting the entire device's traffic management.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-0246
This section covers the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
Devices using tenant services on Junos OS are vulnerable due to incorrect permissions assigned to tenant system administrators, potentially allowing unintended network access.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Juniper Networks Junos OS versions 18.3R1 and later, prior to specific releases on SRX1500, SRX4100, SRX4200, SRX4600, SRX5000 Series with SPC2/SPC3.
Exploitation Mechanism
A tenant system administrator with high privileges can manipulate network traffic, impacting all tenants and the service provider.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-0246, consider immediate steps, security best practices, and necessary patches.
Immediate Steps to Take
Update to fixed software releases to mitigate the vulnerability in Junos OS. Practicing least privilege access and monitoring network traffic can reduce the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement strict access controls, segregate tenant networks, and regularly monitor system configurations to prevent unauthorized access.
Patching and Updates
Juniper Networks recommends updating to Junos OS versions 18.3R3, 18.4R2, 19.1R2, 19.2R1, or later to address this vulnerability.