CVE-2023-46604

Apache ActiveMQ, Apache ActiveMQ Legacy OpenWire Module: Unbounded deserialization causes ActiveMQ to be vulnerable to a remote code execution (RCE) attack

Critical 10.0
Exploited: added to CISA KEV 2 Nov 2023
Used in ransomware campaigns

Description

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. Users are recommended to upgrade both brokers and clients to version 5.15.16, 5.16.7, 5.17.6, or 5.18.3 which fixes this issue.

Key facts

Published: 27 Oct 2023
Last changed: 3 Nov 2025
Assigned by: apache
KEV added: 2 Nov 2023
KEV fix due: 23 Nov 2023
Used in ransomware: Yes, according to CISA
EPSS: 99.992% likely to be exploited in the next 30 days, higher than 99.986% of CVEs (scores for 15 Nov 2026)
SSVC (CISA): Exploitation: active; Automatable: yes; Technical impact: total

Severity scores

Each score is shown as its source gave it. They are not averaged or merged.

10.0CVSS 3.1, Criticalfrom the CNA (apache)CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:H

What to do

Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.CISA KEV required action

Historical context and remediation

This reference retains the original CVE publication date. A recent record update does not mean a new attack occurred.

No separately sourced impact summary is available on this page yet. Consult the description, version data and dated exploitation evidence.

Version statuses below come from the CNA. An “unaffected” version is not necessarily a currently supported release or proof of a patch date. EPSS is a dated risk estimate, not a count of historical attacks.

Read the original CVE record.

Affected products

Vendor	Product	Versions
Apache Software Foundation	Apache ActiveMQ	Default status: unaffected 5.18.0 up to but excluding 5.18.3 (affected) 5.17.0 up to but excluding 5.17.6 (affected) 5.16.0 up to but excluding 5.16.7 (affected) 0 up to but excluding 5.15.16 (affected)
Apache Software Foundation	Apache ActiveMQ Legacy OpenWire Module	Default status: unaffected 5.18.0 up to but excluding 5.18.3 (affected) 5.17.0 up to but excluding 5.17.6 (affected) 5.16.0 up to but excluding 5.16.7 (affected) 5.8.0 up to but excluding 5.15.16 (affected)