CVE-2016-6809: Apache Tika allows Java code execution for serialized objects embedded in MATLAB files
Summary
CVE-2016-6809: Apache Tika allows Java code execution for serialized objects embedded in MATLAB files. Affects org.apache.tika:tika-core versions < 1.14. Fixed in 1.14. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- tika · Debian:11
The same CVE-2016-6809 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
Apache Tika is an open-source content analysis toolkit that is used to extract metadata and text from various file formats. It provides a consistent interface for accessing different file formats and leverages existing parser libraries to achieve this. The 'org.apache.tika:tika-core' package is a core component of Apache Tika and is responsible for handling the core functionality of the toolkit. This package is commonly used in Java applications that require file format analysis and extraction capabilities. However, versions of Apache Tika before 1.14 are vulnerable to a critical security issue that allows for Java code execution when processing serialized objects embedded in MATLAB files. This vulnerability exists due to the use of JMatIO, a native deserialization library, by Tika. Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution and potential compromise of the host system.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Apache Tika versions prior to 1.14 arises from the improper handling of serialized objects embedded in MATLAB files. When Tika encounters a MATLAB file, it invokes JMatIO for native deserialization. However, due to a lack of proper input validation and sanitization, an attacker can craft a malicious MATLAB file that contains a serialized object with arbitrary Java code. When Tika processes this file, the deserialization of the object triggers the execution of the embedded Java code. This can lead to various security risks, including remote code execution, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and potential compromise of the host system. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as critical with a CVSS score of 9.8.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 4.1.0 as of 22 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
1.14
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
As a workaround, if upgrading to the latest version of Apache Tika is not immediately feasible, it is recommended to avoid processing untrusted MATLAB files with Apache Tika. Restricting access to MATLAB files or implementing additional security measures, such as file type validation and content filtering, can help mitigate the risk of exploitation. However, this workaround is not a comprehensive solution and upgrading to the patched version is strongly advised.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apache Tika versions prior to 1.14 are vulnerable to a critical security issue that allows for Java code execution when processing serialized objects embedded in MATLAB files. This vulnerability can lead to various security risks, including remote code execution and potential compromise of the host system. It is crucial to upgrade to Apache Tika version 1.14 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Apache Tika is an open-source content analysis toolkit used for extracting metadata and text from various file formats.
The 'org.apache.tika:tika-core' package is a core component of Apache Tika that handles the core functionality of the toolkit.
The vulnerability in Apache Tika allows for Java code execution when processing serialized objects embedded in MATLAB files.
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and potential compromise of the host system.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Apache Tika version 1.14 or later.
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