CVE-2025-48913
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Apache CXF allows untrusted users who can configure JMS endpoints to use RMI or LDAP URLs, potentially leading to remote code execution. Systems where untrusted users have JMS configuration access are affected. The vulnerability has been patched in newer versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Apache CXF
📦 What is this software?
Cxf by Apache
Cxf by Apache
Cxf by Apache
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to data theft, service disruption, or lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper access controls prevent untrusted users from configuring JMS endpoints.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires JMS configuration access. The vulnerability leverages RMI/LDAP deserialization attacks.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.6.8, 4.0.9, or 4.1.3
Vendor Advisory: https://lists.apache.org/thread/f1nv488ztc0js4g5ml2v88mzkzslyh83
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Apache CXF version 3.6.8, 4.0.9, or 4.1.3 from official sources. 2. Replace existing CXF libraries with patched versions. 3. Restart all services using Apache CXF. 4. Verify the fix by checking version and testing JMS configuration restrictions.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict JMS Configuration Access
allPrevent untrusted users from configuring JMS endpoints through access controls.
Network Segmentation
allBlock outbound RMI and LDAP connections from affected systems at network level.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent untrusted users from configuring JMS endpoints.
- Deploy network filtering to block RMI and LDAP traffic from affected systems.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if untrusted users can configure JMS endpoints and if Apache CXF version is below 3.6.8, 4.0.9, or 4.1.3.Check Version:
Check CXF version in application logs, configuration files, or via API if exposed.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify Apache CXF version is 3.6.8, 4.0.9, or 4.1.3 and test that RMI/LDAP URLs are rejected in JMS configuration.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- JMS configuration attempts with RMI or LDAP URLs
- Unexpected deserialization errors
Network Indicators:
- Outbound RMI or LDAP connections from CXF servers
- Unusual network traffic to JMS endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="cxf" AND (url="*rmi://*" OR url="*ldap://*")