REDHAT-BUG-2452071: High severity OpenTelemetry OpenTelemetry Java Instrumentation vulnerability

Published Mar 27, 2026
·
Updated

OpenTelemetry Java Instrumentation provides OpenTelemetry auto-instrumentation and instrumentation libraries for Java. In versions prior to 2.26.1, 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, OpenTelemetry Java instrumentation is attached as a Java agent (-javaagent) on Java 16 or earlier. Second, JMX/RMI port has been explicitly configured via -Dcom.sun.management.jmxremote.port and is network-reachable. Third, gadget-chain-compatible library is present on the classpath. This results in arbitrary remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the instrumented JVM. For JDK >= 17, no action is required, but upgrading is strongly encouraged. For JDK < 17, upgrade to version 2.26.1 or later. As a workaround, set the system property -Dotel.instrumentation.rmi.enabled=false to disable the RMI integration.

Affected Software

1 affected component
OpenTelemetry OpenTelemetry Java Instrumentation<2.26.1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade OpenTelemetry Java Instrumentation to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.26.1
  2. Configuration

    Set the system property `-Dotel.instrumentation.rmi.enabled=false` to disable the RMI integration (workaround).

    OpenTelemetry Java Instrumentation -Dotel.instrumentation.rmi.enabled = false

Event History

Mar 27, 2026
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·01:02 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of REDHAT-BUG-2452071?

The severity of REDHAT-BUG-2452071 is high, rated at 7.

2

How do I fix REDHAT-BUG-2452071?

To fix REDHAT-BUG-2452071, upgrade to OpenTelemetry Java Instrumentation version 2.26.1 or later.

3

What vulnerabilities does REDHAT-BUG-2452071 expose?

REDHAT-BUG-2452071 exposes a vulnerability related to improper deserialization of incoming data without serialization filters.

4

Which versions of OpenTelemetry are affected by REDHAT-BUG-2452071?

OpenTelemetry Java Instrumentation versions prior to 2.26.1 are affected by REDHAT-BUG-2452071.

5

What is the impact of not addressing REDHAT-BUG-2452071?

Not addressing REDHAT-BUG-2452071 could lead to potential security risks due to improper handling of serialized data in RMI.

Contact

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