dd-trace-java: Unsafe deserialization in RMI instrumentation may lead to remote code execution
In versions of dd-trace-java prior to 1.60.3, the RMI instrumentation registered a custom endpoint that deserialized incoming data without applying serialization filters. On JDK version 16 and earlier, an attacker with network access to a JMX or RMI port on an instrumented JVM could exploit this to potentially achieve remote code execution. All three of the following conditions must be true to exploit this vulnerability:
- dd-trace-java is attached as a Java agent (
-javaagent) on Java 16 or earlier - A JMX/RMI port has been explicitly configured via
-Dcom.sun.management.jmxremote.portand is network-reachable - A gadget-chain-compatible library is present on the classpath
Impact
Arbitrary remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the instrumented JVM.
Recommendation
- For JDK >= 17: No action is required, but upgrading is strongly encouraged.
- For JDK >= 8u121 < JDK 17: Upgrade to dd-trace-java version 1.60.3 or later.
- For JDK < 8u121 and earlier where serialization filters are not available, apply the workaround described below.
Workarounds
Set the following environment variable to disable the RMI integration: DD_INTEGRATION_RMI_ENABLED=false
Credits
This vulnerability was responsibly disclosed by Mohamed Amine ait Ouchebou (mrecho) (Indiesecurity) via the Datadog bug bounty program.
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java / Kotlin (Maven) | com.datadoghq:dd-java-agent | >= 0.40.0, < 1.60.3 | 1.60.3 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-502- Platform
- Java / Kotlin (Maven)
- Package
com.datadoghq:dd-java-agent- Disclosed
- 26.03.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 12:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-579q-h82j-r5v2 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: com.datadoghq:dd-java-agent
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
- 2
- First → latest
- 03.2026 07.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 1
- High 1
Disclosures per year
- 2026: 2
-
dd-trace-java: Unsafe deserialization in RMI instrumentation may lead to remote code execution this entry
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