Remote code execution in Apache ActiveMQ
A regression has been introduced in the commit preventing JMX re-bind. By passing an empty environment map to RMIConnectorServer, instead of the map that contains the authentication credentials, it leaves ActiveMQ open to the following attack - A remote client could create a javax.management.loading.MLet MBean and use it to create new MBeans from arbitrary URLs, at least if there is no security manager. In other words, a rogue remote client could make your Java application execute arbitrary code. Mitigation - Upgrade to Apache ActiveMQ 5.15.13
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java / Kotlin (Maven) | org.apache.activemq:activemq-parent | >= 5.15.12, < 5.15.13 | 5.15.13 |
References
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-11998
- https://github.com/apache/activemq/commit/0d6e5f2
- https://github.com/apache/activemq/commit/88b78d0
- https://github.com/apache/activemq/commit/aa8900c
- https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/r946488fb942fd35c6a6e0359f52504a558ed438574a8f14d36d7dcd7@%3Ccommits.activemq.apache.org%3E
- https://lists.apache.org/thread.html/rb2fd3bf2dce042e0ab3f3c94c4767c96bb2e7e6737624d63162df36d@%3Ccommits.activemq.apache.org%3E
- https://www.oracle.com//security-alerts/cpujul2021.html
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuApr2021.html
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujan2021.html
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuoct2021.html
- http://activemq.apache.org/security-advisories.data/CVE-2020-11998-announcement.txt
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-94- Platform
- Java / Kotlin (Maven)
- Package
org.apache.activemq:activemq-parent- Disclosed
- 09.02.2022
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 12:21
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-wqfh-9m4g-7x6x - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: org.apache.activemq:activemq-parent
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Java / Kotlin (Maven)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 7
- First → latest
- 06.2021 05.2022
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 1
- High 1
- Medium 3
- Low 2
Disclosures per year
- 2021: 1
- 2022: 6
- 2023: 0
- 2024: 0
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 0
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Remote code execution in Apache ActiveMQ this entry
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