How severe is CVE-2016-1278?

CVE-2016-1278 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-1278 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (37th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-1278?

CVE-2016-1278 affects Juniper Junos. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-1278?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2016-1278 published?

CVE-2016-1278 was published on 2016-08-05 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-1278

CVE-2016-1278 is a high-severity vulnerability in Juniper Junos with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-287.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.9
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (37th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-287
Affected product: Juniper Junos
Published: 2016-08-05
Last modified: 2026-06-17

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-1278?: 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.
How severe is CVE-2016-1278?: CVE-2016-1278 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-1278 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (37th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-1278?: CVE-2016-1278 affects Juniper Junos. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-1278?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2016-1278 published?: CVE-2016-1278 was published on 2016-08-05 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:juniper:junos:*:d45:*:*:*:*:*:*

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