CVE-2023-36846
MediumExploitedPublic exploitA Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX Series allows an unauthenticated, network-based attacker to cause limited impact to the file system integrity.
Published Aug 18, 2023 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-36846 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 5.3 v3.1) affecting Junos (Juniper), Junos OS.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 29, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 93% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Junos 20.4, Junos OS 20.4R3-S8, Junos OS 21.1*.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
5.3
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
93%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2023-36846 brief as a PDF
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Description
A Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX Series allows an unauthenticated, network-based attacker to cause limited impact to the file system integrity.
With a specific request to user.php that doesn't require authentication an attacker is able to upload arbitrary files via J-Web, leading to a loss of
integrity
for a certain
part of the file system, which may allow chaining to other vulnerabilities.
This issue affects Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX Series:
* All versions prior to 20.4R3-S8; * 21.1 versions 21.1R1 and later; * 21.2 versions prior to 21.2R3-S6; * 21.3 versions
prior to
21.3R3-S5; * 21.4 versions
prior to
21.4R3-S5; * 22.1 versions
prior to
22.1R3-S3; * 22.2 versions
prior to
22.2R3-S2; * 22.3 versions
prior to
22.3R2-S2, 22.3R3; * 22.4 versions
prior to
22.4R2-S1, 22.4R3.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 13, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Aug 29, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 13, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 13, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
90 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| JunosJuniper | 20.4, 20.4-r1, 20.4-r1-s1, 20.4-r2, 20.4-r2-s1, 20.4-r2-s2, 20.4-r3, 20.4-r3-s1 | 20.4 |
| Junos OS | >= 21.1 | 20.4R3-S8 |
Patched Releases
Junos
20.4
Junos OS
20.4R3-S8, 21.1*, 21.2R3-S6, 21.3R3-S5, 21.4R3-S5, 22.1R3-S3, 22.2R3-S2, 22.3R2-S2, 22.3R3, 22.4R2-S1, 22.4R3
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 18, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Aug 29, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 13, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 13, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 13, 2023
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-306 Missing Authentication for Critical Function
References
- advisoryhttps://supportportal.juniper.net/JSA72300
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2023-36844
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2023-36845
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2023-36846
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2023-36847
FAQ
Common Questions.
A Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX Series allows an unauthenticated, network-based attacker to cause limited impact to the file system integrity.
Affected: Junos (Juniper) versions 20.4, 20.4-r1, 20.4-r1-s1, 20.4-r2, 20.4-r2-s1, 20.4-r2-s2, 20.4-r3, 20.4-r3-s1; Junos OS versions >= 21.1. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 29, 2023.
Yes. It was added on Nov 13, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Nov 17, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Junos 20.4, Junos OS 20.4R3-S8, Junos OS 21.1*.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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