Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
A vulnerability in Apache Artemis and Apache ActiveMQ Artemis could allow an unauthenticated attacker to inject or exfiltrate messages by establishing a connection to a rogue server. This risk exists if your environment allows untrusted incoming or outgoing connections using the Core protocol.
- Unauthenticated attackers can control messages.
- It impacts message integrity and confidentiality.
- Confirm exposure; apply mitigations if relevant.
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
An unauthenticated attacker can leverage the Apache Artemis Core protocol to trick a broker into forming an unauthorized connection with a rogue broker they control. This allows them to potentially inject or steal messages from any queue.
- No authentication required.
- Force outbound connection to attacker.
- Message injection and exfiltration.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
This vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject or exfiltrate messages from queues by forcing a broker to establish an outbound connection to a rogue broker, when the environment allows untrusted incoming and outgoing Core protocol connections.
- Message queues could be affected.
- Untrusted connections could enable exposure.
- Message injection or exfiltration may occur.
Priority actions
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
Application owners and infrastructure teams are likely responsible for managing Apache Artemis/ActiveMQ Artemis, especially if the Core protocol is exposed to untrusted sources or targets. The first critical step is to identify all instances of the affected software, determine their reachability and business criticality, and then confirm the accountable owner for each. Once identified and prioritized, a remediation plan, which may involve vendor coordination or implementing mitigations, should be developed.
- Confirm affected technology and owner.
- Verify Core protocol exposure and reachability.
- Plan remediation based on risk.
