CVE-2023-28972

Junos OS: NFX Series: 'set system ports console insecure' allows root password recovery

Description

An Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerability in console port access of Juniper Networks Junos OS on NFX Series allows an attacker to bypass console access controls. When "set system ports console insecure" is enabled, root login is disallowed for Junos OS as expected. However, the root password can be changed using "set system root-authentication plain-text-password" on NFX Series systems, leading to a possible administrative bypass with physical access to the console. Password recovery, changing the root password from a console, should not have been allowed from an insecure console. This is similar to the vulnerability described in CVE-2019-0035 but affects different platforms and in turn requires a different fix. This issue affects Juniper Networks Junos OS on NFX Series: 19.2 versions prior to 19.2R3-S7; 19.3 versions prior to 19.3R3-S8; 19.4 versions prior to 19.4R3-S12; 20.2 versions prior to 20.2R3-S8; 20.4 versions prior to 20.4R3-S7; 21.1 versions prior to 21.1R3-S5; 21.2 versions prior to 21.2R3-S4; 21.3 versions prior to 21.3R3-S3; 21.4 versions prior to 21.4R3-S2; 22.1 versions prior to 22.1R3-S1; 22.2 versions prior to 22.2R2-S1, 22.2R3; 22.3 versions prior to 22.3R1-S2, 22.3R2.

Remediation

Solution:

  • The following software releases have been updated to resolve this specific issue: 19.2R3-S7, 19.3R3-S8, 19.4R3-S12, 20.4R3-S7, 21.1R3-S5, 21.2R3-S4, 21.3R3-S3, 21.4R3-S2, 22.1R3-S1, 22.2R2-S1, 22.2R3, 22.3R1-S2, 22.3R2, 22.4R1, and all subsequent releases.

Workaround:

  • Limit console access to the device to only trusted administrators.

Category

6.8
CVSS
Severity: Medium
CVSS 3.1 •
EPSS 0.04%
Vendor Advisory juniper.net
Affected: Juniper Networks Junos OS
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2023-28972?
CVE-2023-28972 has been scored as a medium severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2023-28972?
To fix CVE-2023-28972: The following software releases have been updated to resolve this specific issue: 19.2R3-S7, 19.3R3-S8, 19.4R3-S12, 20.4R3-S7, 21.1R3-S5, 21.2R3-S4, 21.3R3-S3, 21.4R3-S2, 22.1R3-S1, 22.2R2-S1, 22.2R3, 22.3R1-S2, 22.3R2, 22.4R1, and all subsequent releases.
Is CVE-2023-28972 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2023-28972 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2023-28972?
CVE-2023-28972 affects Juniper Networks Junos OS.
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