CVE-2023-44197

7.5 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

An out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Juniper's Routing Protocol Daemon (rpd) allows unauthenticated network attackers to cause denial of service by crashing rpd when processing BGP route updates. This affects Junos OS and Junos OS Evolved devices with specific BGP import policy configurations. The vulnerability is triggered when BGP peers have import policies with hundreds of terms matching IPv4/IPv6 prefixes.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Juniper Networks Junos OS
  • Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved
Versions: Junos OS: All versions prior to 20.4R3-S8; 21.1R1 and later; 21.2 prior to 21.2R3-S2; 21.3 prior to 21.3R3-S5; 21.4 prior to 21.4R2-S1, 21.4R3-S5. Junos OS Evolved: All versions prior to 20.4R3-S8-EVO; 21.1R1-EVO and later; 21.2 prior to 21.2R3-S2-EVO; 21.3R1-EVO and later; 21.4 prior to 21.4R2-S1-EVO, 21.4R3-S5-EVO.
Operating Systems: Junos OS, Junos OS Evolved
Default Config Vulnerable: ✅ No
Notes: Requires BGP import policies with hundreds of terms matching IPv4/IPv6 prefixes. Not vulnerable in default configurations without such complex BGP policies.

📦 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 →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Persistent DoS attacks causing repeated rpd crashes, leading to extended network outages and routing instability across the entire network infrastructure.

🟠

Likely Case

Intermittent rpd crashes and restarts causing temporary routing disruptions, packet loss, and network instability during BGP updates.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited to isolated routing disruptions with automatic rpd restarts, but potential for cascading failures if multiple devices are affected simultaneously.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - BGP sessions are typically internet-facing, and unauthenticated attackers can exploit this remotely via BGP route updates.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal BGP sessions could also be exploited, but requires network access to BGP peers.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes
Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires sending specially crafted BGP route updates to a vulnerable device with specific BGP policy configurations. Attackers need BGP peer access but no authentication.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Junos OS: 20.4R3-S8, 21.2R3-S2, 21.3R3-S5, 21.4R2-S1, 21.4R3-S5. Junos OS Evolved: 20.4R3-S8-EVO, 21.2R3-S2-EVO, 21.4R2-S1-EVO, 21.4R3-S5-EVO.

Vendor Advisory: https://supportportal.juniper.net/JSA73163

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Download appropriate patch from Juniper support portal. 2. Backup configuration. 3. Install patch using 'request system software add' command. 4. Reboot device to activate patched rpd.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Simplify BGP Import Policies

all

Reduce number of terms in BGP import policies to below threshold that triggers vulnerability

configure
edit policy-options policy-statement BGP-IMPORT
show | display set | match term

Implement BGP Route Filtering

all

Use prefix-lists or route-filters instead of complex policy terms with hundreds of matches

configure
edit policy-options prefix-list FILTERED-PREFIXES
set 192.0.2.0/24
set 2001:db8::/32

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement strict BGP peer filtering to limit which peers can send route updates
  • Deploy network monitoring to detect abnormal rpd crashes and BGP session resets

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check Junos version with 'show version' and verify against affected versions. Check BGP policies with 'show configuration policy-options' for policies with hundreds of terms.

Check Version:

show version | match Junos

Verify Fix Applied:

After patching, verify version is updated with 'show version' and monitor rpd stability with 'show system processes extensive | match rpd'.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • rpd crash messages in /var/log/messages
  • BGP session resets
  • Routing protocol daemon restart events

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual BGP update traffic patterns
  • Multiple BGP session flaps
  • Increased routing table churn

SIEM Query:

source="junos" AND ("rpd" AND ("crash" OR "restart" OR "panic")) OR ("BGP" AND "session.*reset")

🔗 References

📤 Share & Export