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Actively exploited

CVE-2023-36845 Juniper Junos OS EX Series and SRX Series PHP External Variable Modification Vulnerability

Juniper Junos OS on EX Series and SRX Series contains a PHP external variable modification vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated, network-based attacker to control an important environment variable. 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.

From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.

Our Assessment

Should You Worry?

Patch nowCybergen assessment
  • CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 13 Nov 2023.
  • Rated Critical severity (CVSS 9.8, scored by Vendor).
  • It has been in the catalogue for 1,089 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
The Vulnerability

What It Is

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.

Affected Versions

ProductVersions
Juniper Networks Junos OSbefore 20.4R3-S9
21.1 to before 21.1*
21.2 to before 21.2R3-S7
21.3 to before 21.3R3-S5
21.4 to before 21.4R3-S5
22.1 to before 22.1R3-S4

From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.

From Watch to Action

What To Do Now

  1. 1

    Find it

    Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Juniper Junos OS. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.

    Attack Surface Management
  2. 2

    Fix it

    Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

    Vulnerability Management
  3. 3

    Hunt for compromise

    If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.

    Incident Response
  4. 4

    Prove it is fixed

    Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.

    Penetration Testing

Vendor Advisories

Regulation

The Compliance Clock

Cyber EssentialsRated critical, so if it affects devices in your Cyber Essentials scope, the update must be installed within 14 days of the vendor releasing it.NIS2If exploitation causes a significant incident, essential and important entities owe their CSIRT an early warning within 24 hours and a notification within 72 hours.DORAFinancial entities must classify ICT incidents and send an initial notification for a major incident within strict deadlines, with exploited flaws a common cause.US federal (BOD 22-01)Federal civilian agencies had until 17 Nov 2023 to remediate. A sensible benchmark for everyone else.

General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.

Stay Ahead

More Exploited Juniper Flaws

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CVE-2015-7755Juniper ScreenOS Improper Authentication VulnerabilityAdded 2 Oct 2025CVE-2025-21590Juniper Junos OS Improper Isolation or Compartmentalization VulnerabilityAdded 13 Mar 2025CVE-2023-36844Juniper Junos OS EX Series PHP External Variable Modification VulnerabilityAdded 13 Nov 2023CVE-2023-36846Juniper Junos OS SRX Series Missing Authentication for Critical Function VulnerabilityAdded 13 Nov 2023CVE-2023-36847Juniper Junos OS EX Series Missing Authentication for Critical Function VulnerabilityAdded 13 Nov 2023CVE-2023-36851Juniper Junos OS SRX Series Missing Authentication for Critical Function VulnerabilityAdded 13 Nov 2023

All 8 exploited Juniper vulnerabilities

Not Sure If You Are Exposed?

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Evidence

Sources

  1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
  2. NVD: CVE-2023-36845
  3. CVE record: CVE-2023-36845
  4. FIRST EPSS
  5. supportportal.juniper.net/s/article/2023-08-Out-of-Cycle-Security-Bulletin-Junos-OS-SRX-Series-and-E
  6. supportportal.juniper.net/JSA72300
  7. packetstormsecurity.com/files/174865/Juniper-SRX-Firewall-EX-Switch-Remote-Code-Execution.html
  8. packetstormsecurity.com/files/176969/Juniper-SRX-Firewall-EX-Switch-Remote-Code-Execution.html