Critical-Severity Improper Authentication Flaw in Juniper Networks Junos OS Tracked as CVE-2026-101954
A newly published critical vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS carries a CVSS score of 9.8. Here is what is affected and how to respond.
Key points
- CVE-2026-101954 affects Juniper Networks Junos OS.
- CVSS 9.8 (Critical).
- No exploitation confirmed yet.
A critical improper authentication tracked as CVE-2026-101954 has been published in the National Vulnerability Database for Juniper Networks Junos OS, with a CVSS base score of 9.8.
At a glance
- CVE
- CVE-2026-101954
- Product
- Juniper Networks Junos OS
- CVSS
- 9.8 Critical
- Weakness
- improper authentication
- Exploited
- No known exploitation
What is the vulnerability?
The NVD entry states: An Improper Authentication vulnerability in the J-Web management interface and its NETCONF session handling of Juniper Networks Junos OS and Junos OS Evolved allows an unauthenticated network attacker to obtain root-level device configuration access and take over the device via a reachable J-Web HTTP or HTTPS service when web management is enabled.
Affected versions
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Juniper Networks | Junos OS | before 25.2R2-S2, before 25.4R1-S3, before 26.2R1-S2 |
| Juniper Networks | Junos OS Evolved | before 25.2R2-S2-EVO, before 25.4R1-S3-EVO, before 26.2R1-S2-EVO, 23.4X100 |
CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Is it being exploited?
There is no public confirmation of exploitation at the time of publication. It does not appear in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. We will update this report if that changes.
What should you do?
- Identify whether the affected product and versions run in your environment.
- Apply the vendor update listed in the advisory as soon as it is available.
- Limit network exposure of the affected service until it is patched.
- Monitor the vendor advisory for updated guidance or exploitation reports.
What to do and how to stay safe: CVE-2026-101954
- Vulnerability severity scores ignore your specific architecture and context.
- Exploitability depends on network exposure and user behavior, not just code flaws.
- Prioritization requires continuous asset inventory and threat intelligence alignment.
Risk-based vulnerability management focuses your limited resources on the flaws that actually threaten your business. Start by mapping your critical assets and checking for active exploits to prioritize your backlog.
Step-by-step guide: Risk-Based Vulnerability Management: Prioritize Fixes by Actual Danger
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2026-101954?
CVE-2026-101954 is a improper authentication vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS.
How severe is CVE-2026-101954?
It has a CVSS score of 9.8 Critical.
Is CVE-2026-101954 being exploited?
There is no public confirmation of exploitation at the time of publication.
