OpenTelemetry Javaagent RMI context propagation allows resource exhaustion
The RMI context propagation payload reader limits the number of context entries but does not limit the aggregate size of the strings read from the stream.
An attacker who can reach an RMI endpoint on an instrumented JVM can send an oversized context propagation payload. This can cause excessive memory allocation while the JVM reads the payload, potentially leading to denial of service.
The issue affects only deployments where RMI instrumentation is enabled and an RMI endpoint is network-reachable.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java / Kotlin (Maven) | io.opentelemetry.javaagent:opentelemetry-javaagent | < 2.27.0 | 2.27.0 |
References
- https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-java-instrumentation/security/advisories/GHSA-fq3f-m5qm-99f5
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-54712
- https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-java-instrumentation/pull/17870
- https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-java-instrumentation/commit/6ef18806d5daa4913619e4cb33d2d7ed6a853c22
- https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-java-instrumentation
- https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-java-instrumentation/releases/tag/v2.27.0
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:L- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-400- Platform
- Java / Kotlin (Maven)
- Package
io.opentelemetry.javaagent:opentelemetry-javaagent- Disclosed
- 29.07.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 12:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-fq3f-m5qm-99f5 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: io.opentelemetry.javaagent:opentelemetry-javaagent
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
- 3
- First → latest
- 03.2026 07.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 1
- Medium 2
Disclosures per year
- 2026: 3
-
OpenTelemetry Javaagent RMI context propagation allows resource exhaustion this entry
Know which vulnerabilities affect your application
With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.