CVE-2025-27533: Apache ActiveMQ: Unchecked buffer length can cause excessive memory allocation
First published: Tue May 06 2025(Updated: )
Memory Allocation with Excessive Size Value vulnerability in Apache ActiveMQ. During unmarshalling of OpenWire commands the size value of buffers was not properly validated which could lead to excessive memory allocation and be exploited to cause a denial of service (DoS) by depleting process memory, thereby affecting applications and services that rely on the availability of the ActiveMQ broker when not using mutual TLS connections. This issue affects Apache ActiveMQ: from 6.0.0 before 6.1.6, from 5.18.0 before 5.18.7, from 5.17.0 before 5.17.7, before 5.16.8. ActiveMQ 5.19.0 is not affected. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 6.1.6+, 5.19.0+, 5.18.7+, 5.17.7, or 5.16.8 or which fixes the issue. Existing users may implement mutual TLS to mitigate the risk on affected brokers.
Credit: security@apache.org
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| Apache ActiveMQ | >=6.0.0<6.1.6>=5.18.0<5.18.7>=5.17.0<5.17.7<5.16.8 | |
| maven/org.apache.activemq:activemq-client | >=6.0.0<6.1.6 | 6.1.6 |
| maven/org.apache.activemq:activemq-client | >=5.18.0<5.18.7 | 5.18.7 |
| maven/org.apache.activemq:activemq-client | >=5.17.0<5.17.7 | 5.17.7 |
| maven/org.apache.activemq:activemq-openwire-legacy | >=6.0.0<6.1.6 | 6.1.6 |
| maven/org.apache.activemq:activemq-openwire-legacy | >=5.18.0<5.18.7 | 5.18.7 |
| maven/org.apache.activemq:activemq-openwire-legacy | >=5.17.0<5.17.7 | 5.17.7 |
| maven/org.apache.activemq:activemq-client | <5.16.8 | 5.16.8 |
| maven/org.apache.activemq:activemq-openwire-legacy | <5.16.8 | 5.16.8 |
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Reference Links
- https://lists.apache.org/thread/8hcm25vf7mchg4zbbhnlx2lc5bs705hg
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/05/06/1
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-27533
- https://github.com/apache/activemq/commit/fc4372b9f0f72b8b5eed917f0019c5cea45c5d06
- https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/AMQ-6596
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-whxr-3p84-rf3c (Advisory)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-27533?
CVE-2025-27533 is classified as a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability impacting Apache ActiveMQ.
How do I fix CVE-2025-27533?
To remediate CVE-2025-27533, upgrade Apache ActiveMQ to version 6.1.6 or 5.18.7, or the latest versions beyond the affected ranges.
Which versions of Apache ActiveMQ are affected by CVE-2025-27533?
CVE-2025-27533 affects Apache ActiveMQ versions from 5.17.0 to 5.17.7, 5.18.0 to 5.18.7, and 6.0.0 to 6.1.6.
What can attackers exploit in CVE-2025-27533?
Attackers can exploit CVE-2025-27533 by sending OpenWire commands that cause excessive memory allocation, leading to service disruption.
Is there a workaround for CVE-2025-27533?
There are no specific workarounds for CVE-2025-27533; the recommended action is to apply the appropriate updates.
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