LDAP Wildcard Operator Brute Force Vulnerability in Apache ActiveMQ

activemq Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

24/08/2015
N/A
Yes i
Unrated
Not published

CVE-2015-6524: The LDAPLoginModule implementation in the Java Authentication and Authorization Service (JAAS) in Apache ActiveMQ 5.x before 5.10.1 allows wildcard operators in usernames, which allows remote attackers to obtain credenti... Affects activemq versions < 5.6.0+dfsg1-4. Fixed in 5.6.0+dfsg1-4. How to fix ↓

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Background

Apache ActiveMQ is an open-source message broker that provides reliable messaging between distributed applications. It is written in Java and supports multiple protocols, including MQTT, AMQP, and STOMP. ActiveMQ uses the Java Authentication and Authorization Service (JAAS) for user authentication and authorization. However, a vulnerability in the LDAPLoginModule implementation of JAAS allows remote attackers to obtain credentials through a brute force attack.

Vulnerability Detail

The LDAPLoginModule implementation in Apache ActiveMQ 5.x before 5.10.1 allows wildcard operators in usernames, enabling attackers to perform brute force attacks to obtain valid credentials. By trying different combinations of usernames with wildcard characters, an attacker can potentially discover valid usernames and passwords, compromising the security of the system. This vulnerability was identified as CVE-2015-6524.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

5.6.0+dfsg1-4

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade activemq

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to apply the recommended fix by upgrading to a patched version of Apache ActiveMQ.

Conclusion

The LDAP Wildcard Operator Brute Force Vulnerability in Apache ActiveMQ allows remote attackers to obtain credentials through brute force attacks. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Apache ActiveMQ version 5.10.1 or later. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

Apache ActiveMQ is an open-source message broker that facilitates reliable messaging between distributed applications.

The LDAPLoginModule is an implementation of the Java Authentication and Authorization Service (JAAS) used for user authentication and authorization in Apache ActiveMQ.

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to use wildcard operators in usernames, enabling them to perform brute force attacks to obtain valid credentials. By trying different combinations of usernames with wildcard characters, an attacker can potentially discover valid usernames and passwords.

If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to Apache ActiveMQ instances, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the system. Attackers could gain control over the messaging infrastructure and potentially intercept or manipulate messages.

No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply the recommended fix by upgrading to a patched version of Apache ActiveMQ.

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How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

5.6.0+dfsg1-4

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade activemq

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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