CVE-2023-51518 - CVE House
Back to Database
Status published Unknown CVE-2023-51518

Apache James server: Privilege escalation via JMX pre-authentication deserialisation

Vulnerability Description

Apache James prior to version 3.7.5 and 3.8.0 exposes a JMX endpoint on localhost subject to pre-authentication deserialisation of untrusted data. Given a deserialisation gadjet, this could be leveraged as part of an exploit chain that could result in privilege escalation. Note that by default JMX endpoint is only bound locally. We recommend users to:  - Upgrade to a non-vulnerable Apache James version  - Run Apache James isolated from other processes (docker - dedicated virtual machine)  - If possible turn off JMX

Impact Analysis

Refer to official advisory for detailed impact metrics.

Remediation

Ensure systems are updated to the latest vendor-supplied patch levels.

THREAT MONITOR

Am I Vulnerable?

Launch our assessment wizard to check if your infrastructure is exposed to • CVE-2023-51518

Credits & Attribution

The following person or organization is credited with identifying this vulnerability, as recorded in the NVD database:

  • Mal Aware
  • Arnout Engelen

References

More from Apache Software Foundation

View All →
CVE-2025-69233
Apache CloudStack: Domain/account resources limits not honored
Medium 6.5
CVE-2025-69219
Apache Airflow Providers Http: Unsafe Pickle Deserialization in apache-airflow-providers-http leading to RCE via HttpOperator
Unknown 0
CVE-2025-68675
Apache Airflow: proxy credentials for various providers might leak in task logs
Unknown 0
CVE-2025-68637
Apache Uniffle: Insecure SSL Configuration in Uniffle HTTP Client
Unknown 0
CVE-2025-68493
Apache Struts, Apache Struts: XXE vulnerability in outdated XWork component
Unknown 0

Affected Vendor

Apache Software Foundation

View all reports →

Affected Software

Apache James server
Vulnerable Versions:
0, 3.8

Timeline

Official Publish: February 27th, 2024
Last Modified: August 22nd, 2024
Added to House: July 22nd, 2026

CVSS Vectors

No vector data available

Weaknesses (CWE)

CWE-502

MITRE ATT&CK TTPs

T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application
Initial Access
T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter
Execution
T1505.003 Web Shell
Persistence
T1105 Ingress Tool Transfer
Command and Control
T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation
Privilege Escalation