CVE-2020-1640: An improper use of a validation framework when processing incoming genuine BGP packets within Juniper Networks RPD (routing protocols process) daemon allows an

An improper use of a validation framework when processing incoming genuine BGP packets within Juniper Networks RPD (routing protocols process) daemon allows an

An improper use of a validation framework when processing incoming genuine BGP packets within Juniper Networks RPD (routing protocols process) daemon allows an attacker to crash RPD thereby causing a Denial of Service (DoS) condition. This framework requires these packets to be passed. By continuously sending any of these types of formatted genuine packets, an attacker can repeatedly crash the RPD process causing a sustained Denial of Service. Authentication to the BGP peer is not required. This issue can be initiated or propagated through eBGP and iBGP and can impact devices in either modes of use as long as the devices are configured to support the compromised framework and a BGP path is activated or active. This issue affects: Juniper Networks Junos OS 16.1 versions 16.1R7-S6 and later versions prior to 16.1R7-S8; 17.3 versions 17.3R2-S5, 17.3R3-S6 and later versions prior to 17.3R3-S8; 17.4 versions 17.4R2-S7, 17.4R3 and later versions prior to 17.4R2-S11, 17.4R3-S2; 18.1 versions 18.1R3-S7 and later versions prior to 18.1R3-S10; 18.2 versions 18.2R2-S6, 18.2R3-S2 and later versions prior to 18.2R2-S7, 18.2R3-S5; 18.2X75 versions 18.2X75-D12, 18.2X75-D32, 18.2X75-D33, 18.2X75-D

Description from the National Vulnerability Database, published by sirt@juniper.net

What it means for a small business

Junos OS is network equipment or remote-access software: the box between your office and the internet. These are a favorite target because breaking one opens the whole office.

If an IT provider set it up, ask them to confirm the firmware version and the date it was updated. If nobody looks after it, that's the bigger problem.

How likely is an attack? The Exploit Prediction Scoring System, run by FIRST (the global association of security response teams), puts the odds of this one being exploited in the next 30 days at 1.4%, higher than 72% of CVEs. That’s above average: worth scheduling this week. Scored October 29, 2026, updated daily.

Check your own setup

Website check: reads what your site runs from the outside (WordPress version, plugins it can see, old server software) and matches it against this database.
Server check: what your web server says about itself, and whether that version has known flaws.

Sources

Part of the Huttenlocher Technologies vulnerability database, refreshed twice a day from CISA and the NVD. The title, category and plain-language guidance are ours; check the linked record before acting on a detail. This is general guidance, not a review of your systems.

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