Juniper ScreenOS SSH / Telnet Authentication Backdoor

critical Nessus Plugin ID 87601

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Synopsis

An account on the remote host uses a known password.

Description

The account 'netscreen' on the remote host has the password '<<< %s(un='%s') = %u', a known backdoor password. The affected devices are firewalls and VPN gateways. A remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability to gain administrative access and monitor network traffic, deny network access, and alter device and firewall configurations.

Solution

Upgrade to Juniper ScreenOS 6.2.0r19 / 6.3.0r21 or later.
Alternatively, apply the appropriate patch referenced in the vendor advisory.

Plugin Details

Severity: Critical

ID: 87601

File Name: screenos_ssh_auth_bypass.nasl

Version: 1.11

Type: remote

Family: Default Unix Accounts

Published: 12/23/2015

Updated: 10/2/2025

Supported Sensors: Nessus

Risk Information

VPR

Risk Factor: High

Score: 7.4

CVSS v2

Risk Factor: Critical

Base Score: 10

Temporal Score: 8.6

Vector: CVSS2#AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

CVSS Score Source: CVE-2015-7755

CVSS v3

Risk Factor: Critical

Base Score: 9.8

Temporal Score: 9.2

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Temporal Vector: CVSS:3.0/E:F/RL:T/RC:C

Vulnerability Information

Excluded KB Items: global_settings/supplied_logins_only

Exploit Available: true

Exploit Ease: Exploits are available

Patch Publication Date: 12/17/2015

Vulnerability Publication Date: 12/17/2015

CISA Known Exploited Vulnerability Due Dates: 10/23/2025

Reference Information

CVE: CVE-2015-7755

BID: 79626

CERT: 640184

JSA: JSA10713

Detections

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