Remote File Upload Vulnerability in Apache ActiveMQ - CVE-2016-3088

activemq Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

01/06/2016
N/A
Yes i
Critical
9.8

CVE-2016-3088: The Fileserver web application in Apache ActiveMQ 5.x before 5.14.0 allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files via an HTTP PUT followed by an HTTP MOVE request. Affects activemq across 2 version ranges.

< 5.14.0+dfsg-1 >= 38fcc0ce0178d4a6870aa4f68e2b565c1ad0aa6f, < 71cbc652835e8b6b9d17b7a28fc998fce4840a9b

Fixed in 5.14.0+dfsg-1. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Devnack Penetration testing for web, API and mobile Manual testing by engineers who build software, not an auditor's checklist. Trusted by teams at Swift and Google Talk to Devnack

Background

Apache ActiveMQ is an open-source message broker that facilitates communication between applications through various messaging protocols. It is widely used for its reliability and scalability in enterprise environments. However, versions prior to 5.14.0 are susceptible to a critical vulnerability that allows unauthorized file uploads, potentially leading to remote code execution.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-3088, exists in the Fileserver web application of Apache ActiveMQ versions 5.x before 5.14.0. It allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files by sending an HTTP PUT request followed by an HTTP MOVE request. This flaw can lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized access to sensitive data and complete system compromise, as attackers can execute malicious code on the server.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

5.14.0+dfsg-1

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 →

Workaround

If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, consider implementing the following workaround: Disable the Fileserver feature in ActiveMQ by modifying the configuration file (activemq.xml) to prevent unauthorized file uploads. This can be done by commenting out or removing the relevant section that enables the Fileserver.

Conclusion

CVE-2016-3088 represents a significant security risk for users of Apache ActiveMQ versions prior to 5.14.0. It is crucial to upgrade to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability and protect your systems from potential exploitation.

See every vulnerability recorded for activemq →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

CVE-2016-3088 is a vulnerability in Apache ActiveMQ that allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files.

All versions of Apache ActiveMQ 5.x prior to 5.14.0 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and remote code execution on the server.

You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring signup.

The CVSS score of CVE-2016-3088 is 9.8, indicating a critical level of severity.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for activemq.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

5.14.0+dfsg-1

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 →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback