CVE-2026-33728: dd-trace-java: Unsafe deserialization in RMI instrumentation may lead to remote code execution
dd-trace-java is a Datadog APM client for Java. In versions of dd-trace-java 0.40.0 through prior to 1.60.2, the RMI instrumentation registered a custom endpoint that deserialized incoming data without applying serialization filters. On JDK version 16 and earlier, an attacker with network access to a JMX or RMI port on an instrumented JVM could exploit this to potentially achieve remote code execution. All three of the following conditions must be true to exploit this vulnerability: First, dd-trace-java is attached as a Java agent (-javaagent) on Java 16 or earlier. Second, a JMX/RMI port has been explicitly configured via -Dcom.sun.management.jmxremote.port and is network-reachable, Third, a gadget-chain-compatible library is present on the classpath. For JDK >= 17, no action is required, but upgrading is strongly encouraged. For JDK >= 8u121 < JDK 17, upgrade to dd-trace-java version 1.60.3 or later. For JDK < 8u121 and earlier where serialization filters are not available, apply the workaround. The workaround is to set the following environment variable to disable the RMI integration: DDINTEGRATIONRMIENABLED=false.
Other sources
In versions of dd-trace-java prior to 1.60.3, the RMI instrumentation registered a custom endpoint that deserialized incoming data without applying serialization filters. On JDK version 16 and earlier, an attacker with network access to a JMX or RMI port on an instrumented JVM could exploit this to potentially achieve remote code execution. All three of the following conditions must be true to exploit this vulnerability: 1. dd-trace-java is attached as a Java agent (-javaagent) on Java 16 or earlier 2. A JMX/RMI port has been explicitly configured via -Dcom.sun.management.jmxremote.port and is network-reachable 3. A gadget-chain-compatible library is present on the classpath
Impact Arbitrary remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the instrumented JVM.
Recommendation - For JDK >= 17: No action is required, but upgrading is strongly encouraged. - For JDK >= 8u121 < JDK 17: Upgrade to dd-trace-java version 1.60.3 or later. - For JDK < 8u121 and earlier where serialization filters are not available, apply the workaround described below.
Workarounds Set the following environment variable to disable the RMI integration: DDINTEGRATIONRMIENABLED=false
Credits This vulnerability was responsibly disclosed by Mohamed Amine ait Ouchebou (mrecho) (Indiesecurity) via the Datadog bug bounty program.
— GitHub
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-33728?
CVE-2026-33728 has a high-severity rating due to the potential for remote code execution through unsafe deserialization in RMI instrumentation.
How do I fix CVE-2026-33728?
To fix CVE-2026-33728, upgrade the dd-trace-java library to version 1.60.3 or higher.
What software is affected by CVE-2026-33728?
CVE-2026-33728 affects dd-trace-java versions from 0.40.0 up to, but not including, 1.60.2.
What kind of vulnerability is CVE-2026-33728?
CVE-2026-33728 is an unsafe deserialization vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution.
Is there a known exploit for CVE-2026-33728?
While there have been reports of this vulnerability, there are currently no widely publicized exploits specifically targeting CVE-2026-33728.