CVE-2021-36163: Hessian protocol configuration vulnerability in Apache Dubbo
Summary
CVE-2021-36163: Hessian protocol configuration vulnerability in Apache Dubbo. Affects org.apache.dubbo:dubbo across 2 version ranges.
< 2.6.10.1
>= 2.7.0, < 2.7.13
Fixed in 2.6.10.1 or 2.7.13, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache Dubbo is an open-source, high-performance, and lightweight Java RPC framework. It provides a distributed architecture for building scalable and efficient applications. The Hessian protocol is one of the supported protocols in Dubbo, implemented on top of HTTP. It allows the passing of the body of a POST request directly to a HessianSkeleton. However, a configuration vulnerability exists in the Hessian protocol implementation in Apache Dubbo.
Vulnerability Detail
The Hessian protocol implementation in Apache Dubbo suffers from a configuration vulnerability. When creating a new HessianSkeleton, the serialization factory is not configured, and the dubbo properties for applying allowed or blocked type lists are not applied. This allows attackers to bypass type restrictions and access the generic service without needing to know a valid service/method name pair. This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and potential remote code execution.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 3.3.6 as of 22 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the versions below are the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you can't move to the latest
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 2.6.10.12.6.10.1 -
>= 2.7.0, < 2.7.132.7.13
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading to a fixed version is not immediately feasible, a possible workaround is to disable the Hessian protocol and use alternative protocols that are not affected by this vulnerability. This can be achieved by modifying the Dubbo configuration to remove the Hessian protocol configuration.
Conclusion
The Hessian protocol configuration vulnerability in Apache Dubbo can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and potential remote code execution. It is crucial to upgrade to the fixed versions (2.7.13 or 2.6.10.1) or disable the Hessian protocol as a workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.apache.dubbo:dubbo →
FAQ
Apache Dubbo is an open-source Java RPC framework that provides a distributed architecture for building scalable and efficient applications.
The Hessian protocol is a binary protocol for remote procedure calls (RPC) over HTTP. It allows the serialization and deserialization of objects between clients and servers.
This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass type restrictions and access the generic service without needing to know a valid service/method name pair. It can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and potential remote code execution.
To fix this vulnerability, upgrade your Apache Dubbo dependency to version 2.7.13 or 2.6.10.1. These versions include the necessary fixes to properly configure the serialization factory and apply the allowed or blocked type lists.
Yes, if upgrading to a fixed version is not immediately feasible, you can disable the Hessian protocol and use alternative protocols that are not affected by this vulnerability. Modify the Dubbo configuration to remove the Hessian protocol configuration.
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