CVE-2016-1278 Auth bypass in n/a
Local attackers can gain root privileges on Juniper SRX devices by exploiting a safe mode authentication bypass triggered after a failed software upgrade.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2016-1278?
CVE-2016-1278 is a high-severity authentication bypass vulnerability in Juniper Junos, published on 5 Aug 2016. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
Juniper Junos OS before 12.1X46-D50 on SRX Series devices reverts to "safe mode" authentication and allows root CLI logins without a password after a failed upgrade to 12.1X46, which might allow local users to gain privileges by leveraging use of the "request system software" command with the "partition" option.
Weakness: CWE-287
Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-1278?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Juniper Junos.
How do I fix CVE-2016-1278?
No fix has been published for CVE-2016-1278 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and rotate credentials and sessions that may have been exposed. More about Authentication bypass.
Is CVE-2016-1278 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2016-1278 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Juniper Junos
- CVE-2023-36845 Juniper Junos OS EX Series and SRX Series PHP External Variable Modification
- CVE-2020-1631 Juniper Junos OS Path Traversal
- CVE-2025-21590 Juniper Junos OS Improper Isolation or Compartmentalization
- CVE-2023-36851 Juniper Junos OS SRX Series Missing Authentication for Critical Function
- CVE-2023-36844 Juniper Junos OS EX Series PHP External Variable Modification
Sources
Also known as GHSA-hrrq-73fq-jh5m.