CVE-2023-36846 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

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.

Understanding CVE-2023-36846

This CVE involves a vulnerability in J-Web that permits an unauthenticated attacker to upload arbitrary files, potentially compromising file system integrity.

What is CVE-2023-36846?

A Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability on Juniper SRX Series with Junos OS allows an unauthenticated attacker to manipulate the file system integrity via J-Web.

The Impact of CVE-2023-36846

The vulnerability could lead to a loss of integrity in a portion of the file system, opening avenues for further exploitations by chaining to other vulnerabilities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-36846

Vulnerability Description

The flaw enables attackers to upload arbitrary files via J-Web without authentication, affecting Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX Series.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions prior to 20.4R3-S8, 21.1R1 and later, 21.2R3-S6, 21.3R3-S5, 21.4R3-S5, 22.1R3-S3, 22.2R3-S2, 22.3R2-S2, 22.3R3, 22.4R2-S1, and 22.4R3 are impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

Juniper SIRT has not detected any malicious exploitation related to this vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk, disable J-Web or restrict access to trusted hosts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Update to the patched software releases like 20.4R3-S8, 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, 23.2R1, and subsequent versions.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the vendor advisory for detailed information on mitigating CVE-2023-36846. For more information, visit https://supportportal.juniper.net/JSA72300.