Patchfirst
CVE-2023-36845 KEVPublic exploit Critical · 9.8 EPSS 95.1%

Juniper Junos OS EX Series and SRX Series PHP External Variable Modification Vulnerability

Juniper · Junos OS

Summary

A PHP External Variable Modification flaw in the J-Web interface of Juniper Networks Junos OS on EX Series and SRX Series devices lets an attacker modify the PHP execution environment. An unauthenticated attacker with network access can exploit it remotely by sending a crafted request that sets the PHPRC variable, with no user interaction or special configuration required, to inject and execute code.

Official description · NVD

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.

Breakdown
66.8 / 100
Exploited
Yes, in CISA KEV
Reports
0
Tactics
2/15

How an attack unfolds

Based on mappings. Select a step to see the evidence.
  1. How attackers get in

  2. What they do

First seen exploited 12 days after disclosure. Public exploit code (Metasploit) was available the same day.

  1. DisclosedPublic exploit codeMetasploitday 0
  2. First seen exploitedVulnCheck KEV evidence+12 days
  3. Added to CISA KEVEU database agrees+3 mo

CISA KEV listing is when exploitation was confirmed, not necessarily the first attack.

techniques

2 , grouped by in kill-chain order 2

Initial AccessTA0001

Exploit Public-Facing Application T1190 Medium
MITRE CTID mapping of the KEV entry · how it is exploited

This vulnerability is exploited through a PHP External Variable Modification flaw in the J-Web interface of Juniper Networks Junos OS, affecting EX Series switches and SRX Series firewalls. Attackers leverage this vulnerability to gain initial access by crafting a request that sets the PHPRC variable, thereby altering the PHP execution environment. This manipulation enables the injection and execution of arbitrary code. By exploiting the auto_prepend_file and allow_url_include PHP features, attackers can include a base64 encoded PHP payload using the data:// wrapper. This method allows them to execute code within a confined FreeBSD jail environment, with the potential to escalate privileges by stealing authentication tokens from a user logged into the J-Web application, ultimately enabling unauthorized SSH access with elevated privileges.

ExecutionTA0002

Command and Scripting Interpreter T1059 Medium
MITRE CTID mapping of the KEV entry · primary impact

Detection

0 rules for this CVE · 244 general rules for its techniques

Rules for this CVE

0 that reference CVE-2023-36845 directly.

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What security researchers reported

Not named in any threat report yet

References

4 links, grouped by NVD tag (3 duplicates merged)
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