CVE-2026-25747: Apache Camel LevelDB RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2026-25747 Overview

CVE-2026-25747 is an Insecure Deserialization vulnerability in the Apache Camel LevelDB component. The DefaultLevelDBSerializer class deserializes data read from the LevelDB aggregation repository using java.io.ObjectInputStream without applying any ObjectInputFilter or class-loading restrictions. An attacker who can write to the LevelDB database files used by a Camel application can inject a crafted serialized Java object that, when deserialized during normal aggregation repository operations, results in arbitrary code execution in the context of the application.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the vulnerable Apache Camel application by injecting malicious serialized Java objects into the LevelDB aggregation repository.

Affected Products

• Apache Camel 4.10.0 through 4.10.7 (upgrade to 4.10.9)
• Apache Camel 4.14.0 through 4.14.4 (upgrade to 4.14.5)
• Apache Camel 4.15.0 through 4.17.x (upgrade to 4.18.0)

Discovery Timeline

• February 23, 2026 - CVE-2026-25747 published to NVD
• February 26, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-25747

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from unsafe deserialization practices in Apache Camel's LevelDB component. The DefaultLevelDBSerializer class processes data from the LevelDB aggregation repository using Java's native ObjectInputStream mechanism without implementing any security controls such as ObjectInputFilter or class-loading restrictions. This design flaw creates an opportunity for attackers to exploit the deserialization process.

In Java environments, unsafe deserialization is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to instantiate arbitrary objects and trigger their method invocations during the deserialization process. When combined with common "gadget chains" present in many Java applications, this can lead to complete system compromise.

The vulnerability requires the attacker to have write access to the LevelDB database files used by the Camel application. Once malicious serialized data is written to the repository, it will be processed during normal aggregation operations, triggering the exploit chain.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-25747 is the use of java.io.ObjectInputStream in the DefaultLevelDBSerializer class without any input validation or filtering mechanisms. The class blindly trusts and deserializes any data present in the LevelDB aggregation repository, violating secure coding practices that mandate treating all external data as untrusted. The absence of ObjectInputFilter configuration or custom class-loading restrictions allows arbitrary class instantiation during deserialization.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for CVE-2026-25747 involves network access with low privileges required. An attacker must gain write access to the LevelDB database files used by the target Apache Camel application. This could be achieved through various means such as exploiting file system vulnerabilities, compromising a service with database access, or through misconfigured file permissions.

Once write access is obtained, the attacker crafts a malicious serialized Java object containing a gadget chain that, when deserialized, executes arbitrary code. The attacker then writes this payload to the LevelDB aggregation repository. When the Camel application performs its normal aggregation operations and reads from the repository, the DefaultLevelDBSerializer deserializes the malicious object, triggering the exploit chain and executing the attacker's code with the privileges of the Camel application.

The vulnerability mechanism relies on Java deserialization gadget chains commonly found in enterprise applications. For detailed technical analysis and proof-of-concept code, refer to the GitHub PoC repository and the Openwall OSS Security Discussion.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-25747

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected modifications to LevelDB database files used by Apache Camel aggregation repositories
• Unusual process spawning or network connections originating from the Camel application process
• Presence of known Java deserialization gadget chain artifacts in memory or log files
• Suspicious file access patterns targeting LevelDB storage directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file integrity of LevelDB aggregation repository directories for unauthorized modifications
• Implement runtime application self-protection (RASP) to detect deserialization attacks targeting ObjectInputStream
• Deploy network monitoring to identify anomalous outbound connections from Camel application processes
• Utilize SentinelOne's behavioral AI to detect post-exploitation activities such as command execution or lateral movement

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for Apache Camel aggregation repository operations
• Configure file integrity monitoring (FIM) on LevelDB storage paths
• Implement alerting for Java process anomalies including unexpected child processes or network activity
• Review access controls and permissions for LevelDB database file locations regularly

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-25747

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Apache Camel to version 4.18.0 or later for the latest release track
• For 4.10.x LTS deployments, upgrade to version 4.10.9
• For 4.14.x LTS deployments, upgrade to version 4.14.5
• Restrict file system permissions on LevelDB aggregation repository directories to prevent unauthorized write access

Patch Information

Apache has released patched versions that address the unsafe deserialization vulnerability in the LevelDB component. The fix implements proper input filtering and class-loading restrictions during deserialization operations. Users should upgrade to the appropriate fixed version based on their deployment:

• Latest track: Upgrade to 4.18.0 or later
• 4.10.x LTS: Upgrade to 4.10.9
• 4.14.x LTS: Upgrade to 4.14.5

For detailed patch information and upgrade guidance, refer to the Apache Camel CVE-2026-25747 Advisory.

Workarounds

• Implement strict file system access controls to prevent unauthorized write access to LevelDB database files
• Deploy a custom serializer that implements ObjectInputFilter to restrict deserialized classes if immediate patching is not possible
• Consider isolating Camel applications using the LevelDB component in network segments with restricted access
• Implement Java security manager policies to limit the actions that deserialized objects can perform

# Restrict permissions on LevelDB repository directory
chmod 700 /path/to/camel/leveldb/repository
chown camel-user:camel-group /path/to/camel/leveldb/repository

# Verify no unauthorized users have write access
ls -la /path/to/camel/leveldb/repository

# Enable JVM deserialization filtering (requires JDK 9+)
# Add to JVM startup options
-Djdk.serialFilter="!*"