CVE-2022-22170

7.5 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in Juniper Junos OS Packet Forwarding Engine (PFE) that allows unauthenticated attackers to cause denial of service by sending specific VXLAN packets. The memory leak eventually exhausts heap memory, forcing PFE to reset and disrupting network traffic. Affected systems include Juniper devices running Junos OS 19.4 through 21.2 in specific vulnerable versions.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Juniper Networks Junos OS
Versions: 19.4 versions prior to 19.4R2-S6, 19.4R3-S6; 20.1 versions prior to 20.1R3-S2; 20.2 versions prior to 20.2R3-S3; 20.3 versions prior to 20.3R3-S1; 20.4 versions prior to 20.4R3; 21.1 versions prior to 21.1R3; 21.2 versions prior to 21.2R2
Operating Systems: Junos OS
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Only affects systems with VXLAN traffic processing enabled. Versions prior to 19.4R1 are not affected.

📦 What is this software?

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

Junos by Juniper

Junos OS is Juniper Networks' flagship network operating system running on enterprise routers, switches, security appliances, and data center infrastructure worldwide. Deployed across telecommunications providers, ISPs, cloud service providers, financial institutions, and large enterprises, Junos po...

Learn more about Junos →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete network outage due to PFE reset, disrupting all traffic forwarding on affected Juniper devices, potentially affecting entire network segments.

🟠

Likely Case

Intermittent network disruptions and packet loss as PFE resets periodically due to memory exhaustion, requiring manual intervention to restore service.

🟢

If Mitigated

Minimal impact if VXLAN traffic is filtered or devices are patched, with monitoring detecting abnormal memory usage before service disruption.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this remotely via VXLAN packets, making internet-facing devices particularly vulnerable to DoS attacks.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal attackers or compromised internal systems could still exploit this, but requires network access to send VXLAN packets to vulnerable devices.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: LIKELY
Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes
Complexity: LOW

Exploitation requires sending specific VXLAN packets, which is straightforward for attackers with network access. No authentication required.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 19.4R2-S6, 19.4R3-S6, 20.1R3-S2, 20.2R3-S3, 20.3R3-S1, 20.4R3, 21.1R3, 21.2R2 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://kb.juniper.net/JSA11277

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Download appropriate fixed version from Juniper support portal. 2. Backup configuration. 3. Install update using 'request system software add' command. 4. Reboot device to activate new version.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Filter VXLAN Traffic

all

Block or filter VXLAN packets at network boundaries to prevent exploitation attempts

configure
set firewall family inet filter BLOCK-VXLAN term 1 from protocol vxlan
set firewall family inet filter BLOCK-VXLAN term 1 then discard
set interfaces <interface> unit 0 family inet filter input BLOCK-VXLAN
commit

Monitor Memory Usage

all

Implement proactive monitoring of PFE memory usage to detect exploitation attempts early

show chassis fpc
show system memory
show system processes extensive

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement strict network segmentation to limit VXLAN traffic to trusted sources only
  • Deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for VXLAN-based attack patterns and alert on abnormal traffic

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check Junos OS version with 'show version' and compare against affected versions list. Monitor PFE memory with 'show chassis fpc' for abnormal heap usage.

Check Version:

show version | match Junos

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify installed version is patched with 'show version', then monitor 'show chassis fpc' for stable memory usage during VXLAN traffic.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • PFE reset messages in system logs
  • Memory allocation failures
  • High heap usage warnings
  • VXLAN packet processing errors

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual VXLAN traffic patterns
  • Spike in VXLAN packets from untrusted sources
  • Network performance degradation

SIEM Query:

source="junos" ("PFE" AND "reset") OR ("memory" AND "exhaust") OR ("heap" AND "leak")

🔗 References

📤 Share & Export