CVE-2024-21616
CWE-1286Published: January 12, 2024· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
An Improper Validation of Syntactic Correctness of Input vulnerability in Packet Forwarding Engine (PFE) of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows an unauthenticated, network-based attacker to cause Denial of Service (DoS).
On all Junos OS MX Series and SRX Series platforms, when SIP ALG is enabled, and a specific SIP packet is received and processed, NAT IP allocation fails for genuine traffic, which causes Denial of Service (DoS). Continuous receipt of this specific SIP ALG packet will cause a sustained DoS condition.
NAT IP usage can be monitored by running the following command.
user@srx> show security nat resource-usage source-pool <source_pool_name>
Pool name: source_pool_name
..
Address Factor-index Port-range Used Avail Total Usage
X.X.X.X
0 Single Ports 50258 52342 62464 96% <<<<<
- Alg Ports 0 2048 2048 0%
This issue affects:
Juniper Networks Junos OS on MX Series and SRX Series
* All versions earlier than 21.2R3-S6;
* 21.3 versions earlier than 21.3R3-S5;
* 21.4 versions earlier than 21.4R3-S5;
* 22.1 versions earlier than 22.1R3-S4;
* 22.2 versions earlier than 22.2R3-S3;
* 22.3 versions earlier than 22.3R3-S1;
* 22.4 versions earlier than 22.4R2-S2, 22.4R3;
* 23.2 versions earlier than 23.2R1-S1, 23.2R2.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-21616 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (4)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-1286)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2024-21616 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts