CVE-2023-46604: Apache ActiveMQ OpenWire RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2023-46604 Overview

The Java OpenWire protocol marshaller is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution. This vulnerability may allow a remote attacker with network access to either a Java-based OpenWire broker or client to run arbitrary shell commands by manipulating serialized class types in the OpenWire protocol to cause either the client or the broker (respectively) to instantiate any class on the classpath.

Critical Impact

Potential for unauthorized remote code execution across network-accessible systems using the Java OpenWire protocol.

Affected Products

• apache activemq
• apache activemq_legacy_openwire_module
• debian debian_linux

Discovery Timeline

• Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
• Not Available - Responsible disclosure to apache
• Not Available - CVE CVE-2023-46604 assigned
• Not Available - apache releases security patch
• 2023-10-27 - CVE CVE-2023-46604 published to NVD
• 2025-11-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-46604

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability involves the deserialization of untrusted data within the Java OpenWire protocol. Attackers exploiting this flaw can execute arbitrary shell commands by controlling serialized class types, causing either broker or client systems to instantiate classes with malicious intent.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in insufficient validation or sanitization of serialized data, allowing attackers to manipulate class types during the deserialization process.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over a network by manipulating serialized payloads handled by the Java OpenWire protocol.

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
ObjectInputStream ois = new ObjectInputStream(inputStream);
Object payload = ois.readObject();
// Attacker controls the payload to instantiate arbitrary classes

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-46604

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected process executions
• Unusual network traffic involving OpenWire protocol
• Unexpected instantiations of classes from deserialized data

Detection Strategies

Monitoring for anomalous deserialization activities can help detect exploitation attempts. Solutions should focus on inspecting network traffic for unauthorized serialized payloads.

Monitoring Recommendations

Implement network monitoring to detect unusual patterns in serialized class payloads. Leverage security solutions that can inspect and analyze potential deserialization payloads.

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-46604

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade to Apache ActiveMQ versions 5.15.16, 5.16.7, 5.17.6, or 5.18.3.
• Implement strict input validation and sanitization.
• Employ network segmentation and firewall rules to limit exposure.

Patch Information

Vendors have released patches addressing this vulnerability. Immediate updates to the specified versions are highly recommended.

Workarounds

Limit network exposure of vulnerable systems. Where patching is not possible, employ strategies such as disabling deserialization for untrusted data or using security frameworks that enforce deserialization limits.

# Configuration example
echo 'Disabling untrusted deserialization' > /etc/security/conf.d/