Junos OS: Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-101956 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in Junos OS from Juniper Networks, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 25.2R2-S2, 25.4R1-S3, 26.2R1-S2 as the first without the flaw, so updating Junos OS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.75% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Junos OS to 25.2R2-S2 or 25.4R1-S3 or 26.2R1-S2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juniper Networks | Junos OS | 25.2 up to, but not including, 25.2R2-S2; 25.4 up to, but not including, 25.4R1-S3; 26.2 up to, but not including, 26.2R1-S2 | 25.2R2-S2, 25.4R1-S3, 26.2R1-S2 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (juniper.net).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.3 | Critical | CNA (juniper.net) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CNA (juniper.net) |
Official description
An Improper Authentication vulnerability in the J-Web web management component of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary Junos commands with root privileges via the exposed J-Web web interface.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Junos OS
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.6 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.