CVE-2026-21916: A UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in the CLI of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows a local,

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-21916?

junos: upgrade to 23.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-21916 being exploited?

CVE-2026-21916 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-21916 affect?

CVE-2026-21916 affects junos. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). A UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in the CLI of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows a local, authenticated attacker with low privileges to escalate their privileges to root which will lead to a complete compromise of the s

Routine

HIGH 7.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-21916 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) affecting junos. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in the CLI of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows a local, authenticated attacker with low privileges to escalate their privileges to root which will lead to a complete compromise of the system. When after a user has performed a specific 'file link ...' CLI operation, another user commits (unrelated configuration changes), the first user can login as root. This issue affects Junos OS: * all

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.3 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 97%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-61
Published	2026-04-09
Last modified	2026-10-26

Publisher (CNA): Juniper Networks, Inc. · Vendor: juniper

Last updated 2026-10-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-04-09 22:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 21:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

juniper junos UPGRADE

Affected: < 23.2 · 23.2 · 23.2 r1 · 23.2 r1-s1 · 23.2 r1-s2 · 23.2 r2 · 23.2 r2-s1 · 23.2 r2-s2

Fixed in: 23.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-21916?

junos: upgrade to 23.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-21916 being exploited?

CVE-2026-21916 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-21916 affect?

CVE-2026-21916 affects junos. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). A UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in the CLI of Juniper Networks Junos OS allows a local, authenticated attacker with low privileges to escalate their privileges to root which will lead to a complete compromise of the s

How urgent is CVE-2026-21916?

Priority 26/100. High severity

Software pages

Juniper Junos vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-33790 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE An Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions vulnerability in the flow daemon (flowd) of Juniper Ne
CVE-2026-33791 MEDIUM 6.7 UPGRADE UPGRADE An OS Command Injection vulnerability in the CLI processing of Juniper Networks Junos OS and Junos OS Evolved
CVE-2026-33785 HIGH 8.8 MITIGATE A Missing Authorization vulnerability in the CLI of Juniper Networks Junos OS on MX Series allows a local, aut
CVE-2026-33793 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE An Execution with Unnecessary Privileges vulnerability in the User Interface (UI) of Juniper Networks Junos OS
CVE-2026-33773 MEDIUM 5.8 MITIGATE An Incorrect Initialization of Resource vulnerability in the packet forwarding engine (pfe) of Juniper Network

References

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