CVE-2016-2141: Improper Input Validation in JGroups

org.jgroups:jgroups Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

13/05/2022
Yes i
Critical
9.8

CVE-2016-2141: Improper Input Validation in JGroups. Affects org.jgroups:jgroups across 2 version ranges.

< 3.2.16.Final >= 3.3.0.Alpha1, < 3.6.10.Final

Fixed in 3.2.16.Final or 3.6.10.Final, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓

Also tracked for

The same CVE-2016-2141 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.

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Background

JGroups is a library for reliable group communication in distributed systems. It provides a framework for creating and managing clusters of nodes that can communicate with each other. JGroups is widely used in various applications and frameworks to enable communication and coordination among distributed components. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in JGroups versions before 4.0, which allows remote attackers to bypass security restrictions and send and receive messages within the cluster without proper authentication.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in JGroups arises from the lack of requirement for proper headers for the ENCRYPT and AUTH protocols from nodes joining the cluster. This oversight enables remote attackers to exploit the cluster's communication channels and perform unauthorized actions. The specific vectors through which this vulnerability can be exploited are not disclosed. The impact of this vulnerability can be severe, as it allows attackers to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to the cluster, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, and disruption of the cluster's functionality.

How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

  • < 3.2.16.Final 3.2.16.Final
  • >= 3.3.0.Alpha1, < 3.6.10.Final 3.6.10.Final

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

Workaround

As a temporary workaround, it is possible to mitigate the risk by implementing additional network-level security measures. This can include firewall rules, network segmentation, and access controls to restrict access to the JGroups cluster. However, this workaround does not address the underlying vulnerability and should be considered a temporary solution until the cluster can be upgraded to a secure version.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in JGroups versions before 4.0 allows remote attackers to bypass security restrictions and gain unauthorized access to the cluster. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to upgrade to the latest secure version of JGroups. Implementing additional network-level security measures can provide temporary protection until the upgrade is performed. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for org.jgroups:jgroups →

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FAQ

JGroups is a library for reliable group communication in distributed systems. It provides a framework for creating and managing clusters of nodes that can communicate with each other.

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass security restrictions and send and receive messages within the cluster without proper authentication. This can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and disruption of the cluster's functionality.

Versions of JGroups before 4.0 are affected by this vulnerability.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to JGroups version 4.0 or later. This ensures that the cluster enforces proper authentication and prevents unauthorized access.

As a temporary workaround, additional network-level security measures can be implemented, such as firewall rules and access controls, to restrict access to the JGroups cluster. However, upgrading to a secure version is the recommended solution.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for org.jgroups:jgroups.

How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

  • < 3.2.16.Final 3.2.16.Final
  • >= 3.3.0.Alpha1, < 3.6.10.Final 3.6.10.Final

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

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