Junos OS: RIB and PFEs can get out of sync due to a memory leak caused by interface flaps or route churn
Juniper Networks · Junos OS
7.5HighCVSS 3.1
Recommended action
Within 7 days
High technical severity with public exploit material referenced by a structured source; prioritise exposed affected systems while verifying vendor guidance.
Published severityHigh→Operational priority:Critical, raised one band.upgradedsince 17 Sep 2024
Evidence used
No CISA KEV confirmation is currently recorded.
A structured source references public exploit or proof-of-concept material.
The selected CVSS metric records a network-reachable, unauthenticated path with no user interaction.
EPSS is 1.02% for the current model date.
Compensating controls
Validate the affected product branch and deploy the verified fixed release.
Restrict the affected network interface to trusted sources where business-safe.
Increase monitoring for the attack path and post-exploitation behaviour described in the report.
Verification
Confirm that the asset runs Juniper Networks Junos OS and falls inside the recorded affected range.
Verify the installed build against the product-specific fixed version after deployment.
Validate exposure, authentication requirements and compensating controls in the actual environment.
Reopen this reassessment when CVSS, KEV, EPSS, exploit evidence or remediation changes.
Optional official sources
National CERT insights ?CERT means Computer Emergency Response Team; CSIRT is the closely related term Computer Security Incident Response Team.
Choose official national sources for this report. Each advisory shows its original language. Your selection is remembered on this device and included in shared links.
Official European source
ENISA European Vulnerability Database
Official EUVD identifiers, advisory evidence and known-exploited context. Missing fields are not treated as evidence of low risk.
1 current
ENISA EUVD identifier
EUVD-2022-27356
No EUVD known-exploited evidence
ENISA has published the identifier mapping but no EUVD description has been stored yet.
EUVD state
Present in the current official mapping
Known exploitation
Not present in the current ENISA EUVD known-exploited dataset. This is not proof of no exploitation.
ENISA score
Not supplied in the stored EUVD record
Advisory evidence
No linked advisory details stored yet
Recommended actionWithin 7 days
High technical severity with public exploit material referenced by a structured source; prioritise exposed affected systems while verifying vendor guidance.
Patch available
01
What, why and how
A Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime vulnerability in the kernel of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows an unauthenticated network based attacker to cause a Denial of Service (DoS). On all Junos platforms, the Kernel Routing Table (KRT) queue can get stuck due to a memory leak triggered by interface flaps or route churn leading to RIB and PFEs getting out of sync. The memory leak causes RTNEXTHOP/route and next-hop memory pressure issue and the KRT queue will eventually get stuck with the error- 'ENOMEM -- Cannot allocate memory'. The out-of-sync state between RIB and FIB can be seen with the "show route" and "show route forwarding-table" command. This issue will lead to failures for adding new routes. The KRT queue status can be checked using the CLI command "show krt queue": user@host > show krt state High-priority add queue: 1 queued ADD nhtype Router index 0 (31212) error 'ENOMEM -- Cannot allocate memory' kqp '0x8ad5e40' The following messages will be observed in /var/log/messages, which indicate high memory for routes/nexthops: host rpd[16279]: RPD_RT_HWM_NOTICE: New RIB highwatermark for routes: 266 [2022-03-04 05:06:07] host rpd[16279]: RPD_KRT_Q_RETRIES: nexthop ADD: Cannot allocate memory host rpd[16279]: RPD_KRT_Q_RETRIES: nexthop ADD: Cannot allocate memory host kernel: rts_veto_net_delayed_unref_limit: Route/nexthop memory is severe pressure. User Application to perform recovery actions. O p 8 err 12, rtsm_id 0:-1, msg type 10, veto simulation: 0. host kernel: rts_veto_net_delayed_unref_limit: Memory usage of M_RTNEXTHOP type = (806321208) Max size possible for M_RTNEXTHOP type = (689432176) Current delayed unref = (0), Max delayed unref on this platform = (120000) Current delayed weight unref = (0) Max delayed weight unref on this platform = (400000) curproc = rpd. This issue affects: Juniper Networks Junos OS 21.2 versions prior to 21.2R3; 21.3 versions prior to 21.3R2-S1, 21.3R3; 21.4 versions prior to 21.4R1-S2, 21.4R2; This issue does not affect Juniper Networks Junos OS versions prior to 21.2R1.
What
A Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime vulnerability in the kernel of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows an unauthenticated network based attacker to cause a Denial of Service (DoS). On all Junos platforms, the Kernel Routing Table (KRT) queue can get stuck due to a memory leak triggered by interface flaps or route churn leading to RIB and PFEs getting out of sync. The memory leak causes RTNEXTHOP/route and next-hop memory pressure issue and the KRT queue will eventually get stuck with the error- 'ENOMEM -- Cannot allocate memory'. The out-of-sync state between RIB and FIB can be seen with the "show route" and "show route forwarding-table" command. This issue will lead to failures for adding new routes. The KRT queue status can be checked using the CLI command "show krt queue": user@host > show krt state High-priority add queue: 1 queued ADD nhtype Router index 0 (31212) error 'ENOMEM -- Cannot allocate memory' kqp '0x8ad5e40' The following messages will be observed in /var/log/messages, which indicate high memory for routes/nexthops: host rpd[16279]: RPD_RT_HWM_NOTICE: New RIB highwatermark for routes: 266 [2022-03-04 05:06:07] host rpd[16279]: RPD_KRT_Q_RETRIES: nexthop ADD: Cannot allocate memory host rpd[16279]: RPD_KRT_Q_RETRIES: nexthop ADD: Cannot allocate memory host kernel: rts_veto_net_delayed_unref_limit: Route/nexthop memory is severe pressure. User Application to perform recovery actions. O p 8 err 12, rtsm_id 0:-1, msg type 10, veto simulation: 0. host kernel: rts_veto_net_delayed_unref_limit: Memory usage of M_RTNEXTHOP type = (806321208) Max size possible for M_RTNEXTHOP type = (689432176) Current delayed unref = (0), Max delayed unref on this platform = (120000) Current delayed weight unref = (0) Max delayed weight unref on this platform = (400000) curproc = rpd. This issue affects: Juniper Networks Junos OS 21.2 versions prior to 21.2R3; 21.3 versions prior to 21.3R2-S1, 21.3R3; 21.4 versions prior to 21.4R1-S2, 21.4R2; This issue does not affect Juniper Networks Junos OS versions prior to 21.2R1.
Why
The product does not sufficiently track and release allocated memory after it has been used, making the memory unavailable for reallocation and reuse.
How
An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication or user interaction. If successful, the issue may disrupt the affected service.
What
A Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime vulnerability in the kernel of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows an unauthenticated network based attacker to cause a Denial of Service (DoS). On all Junos platforms, the Kernel Routing Table (KRT) queue can get stuck due to a memory leak triggered by interface flaps or route churn leading to RIB and PFEs getting out of sync. The memory leak causes RTNEXTHOP/route and next-hop memory pressure issue and the KRT queue will eventually get stuck with the error- 'ENOMEM -- Cannot allocate memory'. The out-of-sync state between RIB and FIB can be seen with the "show route" and "show route forwarding-table" command. This issue will lead to failures for adding new routes. The KRT queue status can be checked using the CLI command "show krt queue": user@host > show krt state High-priority add queue: 1 queued ADD nhtype Router index 0 (31212) error 'ENOMEM -- Cannot allocate memory' kqp '0x8ad5e40' The following messages will be observed in /var/log/messages, which indicate high memory for routes/nexthops: host rpd[16279]: RPD_RT_HWM_NOTICE: New RIB highwatermark for routes: 266 [2022-03-04 05:06:07] host rpd[16279]: RPD_KRT_Q_RETRIES: nexthop ADD: Cannot allocate memory host rpd[16279]: RPD_KRT_Q_RETRIES: nexthop ADD: Cannot allocate memory host kernel: rts_veto_net_delayed_unref_limit: Route/nexthop memory is severe pressure. User Application to perform recovery actions. O p 8 err 12, rtsm_id 0:-1, msg type 10, veto simulation: 0. host kernel: rts_veto_net_delayed_unref_limit: Memory usage of M_RTNEXTHOP type = (806321208) Max size possible for M_RTNEXTHOP type = (689432176) Current delayed unref = (0), Max delayed unref on this platform = (120000) Current delayed weight unref = (0) Max delayed weight unref on this platform = (400000) curproc = rpd. This issue affects: Juniper Networks Junos OS 21.2 versions prior to 21.2R3; 21.3 versions prior to 21.3R2-S1, 21.3R3; 21.4 versions prior to 21.4R1-S2, 21.4R2; This issue does not affect Juniper Networks Junos OS versions prior to 21.2R1.
Why
The product does not sufficiently track and release allocated memory after it has been used, making the memory unavailable for reallocation and reuse.
How
An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication or user interaction. If successful, the issue may disrupt the affected service.
02
Exploit reality and attack path
CVSS severity, EPSS forecast probability, public exploit material and CISA-confirmed exploitation are separate signals.
Observed exploitation ?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.No confirmed evidence
No CISA KEV match was present at the last successful refresh. This means no confirmation from that source, not proof of no exploitation.
Public PoC / exploit material ?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.Reference recorded
A structured CVE source labels at least one public reference as exploit material. BlackTree has not independently validated that it is safe, reliable or weaponised.
Likely attack path
a network path → Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime → disrupt the affected service
Attack surface
Network
Privileges required
None: unauthenticated exploitation is possible
User interaction
None
Attack complexity
Low: no specialised conditions are recorded
Security boundary
Unchanged: impact remains within the vulnerable component's security authority
Weakness ?CWE means Common Weakness Enumeration: a standard category for the underlying weakness.
CWE-401: Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime. The product does not sufficiently track and release allocated memory after it has been used, making the memory unavailable for reallocation and reuse.
CVSS vector ?CVSS means Common Vulnerability Scoring System. The vector records the metric values used to calculate technical severity.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Common Vulnerability Scoring System 3.1: the compact vector below is decoded into plain language.
AVNetworkAttack vector: The vulnerable component can be reached over a network.ACLowAttack complexity: No specialised conditions are required beyond attacker-controlled input.PRNonePrivileges required: The attacker does not need an account or existing privileges.UINoneUser interaction: No action by another user is required.SUnchangedScope: The security impact remains within the vulnerable component's authority.CNoneConfidentiality impact: No direct loss is represented by this metric.INoneIntegrity impact: No direct loss is represented by this metric.AHighAvailability impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.
Post-exploitation / living off the land
No specific living-off-the-land technique is confirmed in the structured sources. Monitor normal administration tools for activity inconsistent with the affected service's baseline.
NetworkUnauthenticatedDenial of serviceCWE-401Public exploit reference
A
Official authority intelligence
Only matched European and national findings are included. Language selectors and unavailable sources are omitted.
ENISA EUVD · EUVD-2022-27356Official EUVD mapping
0 linked advisory records.
Official EUVD record ↗Cyber Security Agency of Singapore · English · CSA-SB-20220727Security Bulletin 27 Jul 2022
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore included this CVE in its official Security Bulletin 27 Jul 2022, published on 27 July 2022. Open the linked bulletin for the product, severity and reference information published in that issue.
Official advisory ↗CERT-FR · French · CERTFR-2022-AVI-650Multiples vulnérabilités dans les produits Juniper
cle/2022-07-Security-Bulletin-Junos-OS-SRX-series-The-PFE-will-crash-when-specific-traffic-is-scanned-by-Enhanced-Web-Filtering-safe-search-CVE-2022-22206
Bulletin de sécurité Juniper JSA69711 du 13 juillet 2022
https://supportportal.juniper.net/s/article/2022-07-Security-Bulletin-Junos-OS-MX-Series-with-MPC11-In-a-GNF-node-slicing-scenario-gathering-AF-interface-statistics-can-lead-to-a-kernel-crash-CVE-2022-22207
Bulletin de sécurité Juniper JSA69713 du 13 juillet 2022
https://supportportal.juniper.net/s/article/2022-07-Security-Bulletin-Junos-OS-RIB-and-PFEs-can-get-out-of-sync-due-to-a-memory-leak-caused-by-interface-flaps-or-route-churn-CVE-2022-22209
Bulletin de sécurité Juniper JSA69714 du 13 juillet 2022
https://supportportal.juniper.net/s/article/2022-07-Security-Bulletin-Junos-OS-QFX5000-Series-and-MX-Series-An-l2alm-crash-leading-to-an-FPC-crash-can-be-observed-in-VxLAN-scenario-CVE-2022-22210
Bulletin de sécurité Juniper JSA69715 du 13 juillet 2022
https://supportportal.juniper.net/s/article/2022-07-Security-Bulletin-Junos-OS-OpenSSL-security-fixes
Bulletin de sécurité Juniper JSA69716 du 13 juillet 2022
https://supportportal.juniper.net/s/article/2022-07-Security-Bulletin-Junos-OS-Evolved-A-high-rate-of-specific-hostbound-traffic-will-cause-unexpected-hostbound-traffic-delays-or-d
Official advisory ↗JVN iPedia · Japanese · JVNDB-2022-013707ジュニパーネットワークスの Junos OS における有効期限後のメモリの解放の欠如に関する脆弱性
ジュニパーネットワークスの Junos OS には、有効期限後のメモリの解放の欠如に関する脆弱性が存在します。
Official advisory ↗KISA KrCERT/CC · Korean · KNVD-5667Juniper 제품군 보안 업데이트 권고
unos OS에서 발생하는 서비스 거부 취약점 (CVE-2022-22202)
o Junos OS 및 Junos OS Evolved에서 발생하는 서비스 거부 취약점 (CVE-2022-22214) 등 15개
o Contrail Networking에서 발생하는 정수 언더플로우를 통한 서비스 거부 취약점 (CVE-2013-7422) 등 166개
o Junos OS에 포함된 OpenSSL 라이브러리에 대해 Raccoon 공격이 가능한 취약점 (CVE-2020-1968) 등 6개
o EX 시리즈와 SRX 시리즈의 Junos OS에서 발생하는 로컬 권한 상승 취약점 (CVE-2022-22221)
o QFX10K 시리즈의 Junos OS에서 발생하는 서비스 거부 취약점 (CVE-2022-22217)
o SRX 시리즈의 Junos OS에서 발생하는 메모리 누수 취약점 (CVE-2022-22205) 등 2개
o MX 시리즈 및 SRX 시리즈의 Junos OS에서 발생하는 서비스 거부 취약점 (CVE-2022-22204)
o MX 시리즈의 Junos OS에서 발생하는 서비스 거부 취약점 (CVE-2022-22207)
o Junos OS Evolved에서 발생하는 서비스 거부 취약점 (CVE-2022-22212)
o Junos OS에서 발생하는 메모리 누수 취약점 (CVE-2022-22209)
o PTX 시리즈 및 QFX10000 시리즈의 Junos OS에서 발생하는 정보 노출 취약점 (CVE-2022-22216)
o QFX5000 시리즈 및 MX 시리즈의 Junos OS에서 발생하는 서비스 거부 취약점 (CVE-2022-22210)
o Northstar 컨트롤러에서 발생하는 Off-by-one 취약점 (CVE-2021-23017)
o EX4600 시리즈 및 QFX5000 시리즈의 Junos OS에서 발생하는 서비스 거부 취약점 (CVE-2022-22203)
##### □ 영향을 받는 시스템
o 참고사이트의 각 게시물에 명시되어 있는 ‘Product Affected’을 통해 취약한 제품 확인
##### □ 해결 방안
o 취약한 Juniper 소프트웨어가 설치된 Juniper 장비의 운영자는 해당사이트에 명시되어 있는 ‘Solution’ 내용을 확인하여 패치를 적용하거나 ‘Workaround’ 내용을 확인하여 보안 설정 적용
##### □ 기타 문의사항
o 한국인터넷진흥원 인터넷침해대응센터: 국번없이 118
[참고사이트]
[1]
https://supportportal.juniper.net/s/global-search/%40uri?language=en_US#sort=relevancy&f:ctype=[Security%20Advisorie
Operational remediation based on structured source evidence.
Status ?Patch availability is based on structured fixed-version fields and authoritative update references. If no fix is verified, check the vendor advisory before making a change.
Review the linked authoritative reference and apply the recorded fixed release appropriate to the affected product branch.
Workaround
No verified workaround is recorded. If business-safe, reduce exposure to the affected interface and allow only trusted sources until authoritative guidance is available.
04
Evidence and provenance
Published 20 Jul 2022 · Last source change 17 Sept 2024, 00:10 UTC · CWE-401 · Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime
CVE recordCVE.org · 5.1
CVSS sourceCNA
EPSS source ?The date BlackTree first stored a score for this CVE from the daily FIRST EPSS feed.FIRST · tracked since 2026-08-14
European sourceENISA EUVD · EUVD-2022-27356
Product sourceCNA
Remediation sourceCVE/CNA references
CWE sourceCNA
NVD statusNVD modified after enrichment
Core structured fields are present and their contributing authorities are shown above.
Technical terms and abbreviations used in this report
CVE
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: the public identifier for one disclosed vulnerability.
CVSS
Common Vulnerability Scoring System: a technical severity framework; it is not patching priority by itself.
EPSS
Exploit Prediction Scoring System: FIRST's estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days; it is a forecast, not confirmation.
CWE
Common Weakness Enumeration: the standard category describing the underlying software or hardware weakness.
CNA
CVE Numbering Authority: an organisation authorised to assign and publish CVE records.
CISA ADP
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Authorized Data Publisher: structured enrichment added to a CVE record.
NVD
National Vulnerability Database: NIST's enrichment service for CVE records.
CERT / CSIRT
A computer security incident response team that publishes warnings or coordinates incident response.
PoC
Proof of concept: public material that demonstrates or helps reproduce exploitation.
CSAF
Common Security Advisory Framework: a machine-readable format for security advisories.
LoTL
Living off the land: abuse of legitimate tools or system functions during an attack.