External risk intelligence

Apache ActiveMQ File Upload and Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2016-3088

The Apache ActiveMQ Fileserver web application permits remote attackers to upload and execute files. This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized system access and data compromise, posing a significant business risk. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating this exposure.

4Halo Surface Signal

Unrestricted File Upload

Apache Activemq

5.0.0 to before 5.14.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2016-3088

This vulnerability affects the Fileserver web application component of Apache ActiveMQ. Message brokers like ActiveMQ are commonly deployed as network-accessible middleware, and web-based management or auxiliary file-handling interfaces are frequently reachable within or across network segments to facilitate service integration, making them likely targets for network-based exposure.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Fileserver web application within Apache ActiveMQ has a vulnerability that allows for the upload and execution of arbitrary files. This occurs when an attacker sends an HTTP PUT request followed by an HTTP MOVE request. The potential impact includes the compromise of system integrity and confidentiality.

  • Vulnerable component: Fileserver web application
  • Core weakness: Arbitrary file upload and execution
  • Main business impact: System compromise and data access

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The Fileserver web application in Apache ActiveMQ allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files. This can be achieved through a sequence of HTTP requests, specifically a PUT followed by a MOVE operation. Successful exploitation grants attackers unauthorized control over the affected system.

  • Fileserver web application is exposed.
  • Attacker uploads and moves files.
  • Attacker gains arbitrary file execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

The Fileserver web application in Apache ActiveMQ presents a significant security risk, enabling remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files. This capability allows for unauthorized code execution on affected systems. The vulnerability has been identified as a known exploited vulnerability by CISA, indicating active exploitation in the wild. Given the potential for complete system compromise, organizations should treat this vulnerability with extreme urgency.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Network access to the application
  • Business risk or urgency: High, likely urgent

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Apache ActiveMQ's Fileserver web application allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files. This could lead to unauthorized system access or modification. The organization should prioritize identifying and mitigating exposure to this risk to protect its systems and data.

  • Find exposed ActiveMQ assets.
  • Isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor updates and verify.
  • Monitor for related activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Apache ActiveMQ and its role in software architecture?

Apache ActiveMQ is an open-source, Java-based message broker. It functions as middleware, enabling reliable, asynchronous communication between diverse applications and software components, particularly in complex enterprise environments. It supports multiple standard protocols, facilitating integration across different client technologies.

What is the core weakness of CVE-2016-3088 in Apache ActiveMQ?

The vulnerability CVE-2016-3088 is classified as CWE-434, "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type." This weakness allows remote attackers to upload and subsequently execute arbitrary files within the Apache ActiveMQ Fileserver web application.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2016-3088 in Apache ActiveMQ's Fileserver?

Exploitation of CVE-2016-3088 involves a specific sequence of HTTP requests: first, an HTTP PUT request to upload a file, followed by an HTTP MOVE request. This process allows a remote attacker, without authentication, to place and run unauthorized files on the affected system.

What is the practical relevance of CVE-2016-3088 for system security?

The Fileserver web application in Apache ActiveMQ is susceptible to remote attackers who can upload and execute arbitrary files. This vulnerability has been identified on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating its use in real-world attacks and posing a significant risk to system integrity and confidentiality.

What immediate steps should be taken to address the ActiveMQ Fileserver vulnerability?

Organizations should prioritize identifying all instances of exposed Apache ActiveMQ assets. Following this, affected systems should be isolated, vendor-provided updates must be applied and verified, and continuous monitoring for suspicious activity related to this vulnerability should be implemented.

References