CVE-2024-2973: Session Smart Router(SSR): On redundant router deployments API authentication can be bypassed
First published: Thu Jun 27 2024(Updated: )
An Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerability in Juniper Networks Session Smart Router or conductor running with a redundant peer allows a network based attacker to bypass authentication and take full control of the device. Only routers or conductors that are running in high-availability redundant configurations are affected by this vulnerability. No other Juniper Networks products or platforms are affected by this issue. This issue affects: Session Smart Router: * All versions before 5.6.15, * from 6.0 before 6.1.9-lts, * from 6.2 before 6.2.5-sts. Session Smart Conductor: * All versions before 5.6.15, * from 6.0 before 6.1.9-lts, * from 6.2 before 6.2.5-sts. WAN Assurance Router: * 6.0 versions before 6.1.9-lts, * 6.2 versions before 6.2.5-sts.
Credit: sirt@juniper.net
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Juniper Networks Session Smart Router | <5.6.15>=undefined>=undefined | |
| Juniper Networks Session Smart Conductor | <5.6.15>=undefined>=undefined | |
| Juniper Networks WAN Assurance Router | >undefined>undefined |
Remedy
The following software releases have been updated to resolve this issue: Session Smart Router: SSR-5.6.15, SSR-6.1.9-lts, SSR-6.2.5-sts, and subsequent releases. It is suggested to upgrade all affected systems to these versions of software. In a Conductor-managed deployment, it is sufficient to upgrade the Conductor nodes only and the fix will be applied automatically to all connected routers. As practical, the routers should still be upgraded to a fixed version however they will not be vulnerable once they connect to an upgraded Conductor. This vulnerability has been patched automatically on affected devices for WAN Assurance routers connected to the Mist Cloud. For systems that are provisioned in a High-Availability cluster, these should be upgraded to a patched version as soon as practical (SSR-6.1.9 or SSR-6.2.5). It is important to note that the fix is applied automatically on managed routers by a Conductor or on WAN assurance routers has no impact on data-plane functions of the router. The application of the fix is non-disruptive to production traffic. There may be a momentary downtime (less than 30 seconds) to the web-based management and APIs however this will resolve quickly.
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Reference Links
- https://support.juniper.net/support/eol/software/ssr/
- https://supportportal.juniper.net/JSA83126
- https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/juniper-releases-out-of-cycle-fix-for-max-severity-auth-bypass-flaw/
- https://www.theregister.com/2024/07/01/emergency_patches_available_for_juniper/
- https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/juniper-patches-critical-auth-bypass-in-session-smart-routers/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2024-2973?
CVE-2024-2973 has a maximum severity rating indicating critical security implications.
What devices are affected by CVE-2024-2973?
CVE-2024-2973 affects Juniper Networks Session Smart Router, Session Smart Conductor, and potentially WAN Assurance Router versions prior to 5.6.15.
How do I fix CVE-2024-2973?
To mitigate CVE-2024-2973, update to the latest version of affected software released by Juniper Networks.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2024-2973?
CVE-2024-2973 is classified as an Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerability.
How can CVE-2024-2973 impact network security?
CVE-2024-2973 allows a network-based attacker to bypass authentication and gain full control of the affected devices.
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