Juniper Networks Remote Code Execution Exploit Detection
The following analytic detects attempts to exploit a remote code execution vulnerability in Juniper Networks devices. It identifies requests to /webauth_operation.php?PHPRC=*, which are indicative of uploading and…
Description
The following analytic detects attempts to exploit a remote code execution vulnerability in Juniper Networks devices. It identifies requests to /webauth_operation.php?PHPRC=*, which are indicative of uploading and executing malicious PHP files. This detection leverages the Web data model, focusing on specific URL patterns and HTTP status codes. This activity is significant because it signals an attempt to gain unauthorized access and execute arbitrary code on the device. If confirmed malicious, the attacker could gain control over the device, leading to data theft, network compromise, or other severe consequences.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 3 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- suricata
Known benign triggers
- Be aware of potential false positives - legitimate uses of the /webauth_operation.php endpoint may cause benign activities to be flagged.The URL in the analytic is specific to a successful attempt to exploit the vulnerability. Review contents of the HTTP body to determine if the request is malicious. If the request is benign, add the URL to the whitelist or continue to monitor.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei-templates/blob/main/http/cves/2023/CVE-2023-36844.yaml | Only this detection cites it |
| github.com/watchtowrlabs/juniper-rce_cve-2023-36844 | Only this detection cites it |
| labs.watchtowr.com/cve-2023-36844-and-friends-rce-in-juniper-firewalls/ | Only this detection cites it |
| supportportal.juniper.net/s/article/2023-08-Out-of-Cycle-Security-Bulletin-Junos-OS-SRX-Series-and-EX-Series-Multiple-vulnerabilities-in-J-Web-can-be-combined-to-allow-a-preAuth-Remote-Code-Execution?language=en_US | Only this detection cites it |
| thehackernews.com/2023/08/new-juniper-junos-os-flaws-expose.html | Only this detection cites it |
| vulncheck.com/blog/juniper-cve-2023-36845 | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 6cc4cc3d-b10a-4fac-be1e-55d384fc690e
- Tagged by the source as
- Juniper JunOS Remote Code ExecutionWeb ServerwebSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securitynetwork
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1