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Vulnerability record · CVE-2023-51518 · published 27 February 2024

CVE-2023-51518: Apache james deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability

Apache · James

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

9.8 CVSS 3.1 Critical EPSS 1.2% · top 33.3% CWE-502 · Deserialization of untrusted data
9.8CVSS 3.1 base score
1.2%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
1Affected product versions listed by NVD
2References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

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

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

1 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
https://lists.apache.org/thread/wbdm61ch6l0kzjn6nnfmyqlng82qz0or Mailing ListVendor Advisory
https://lists.apache.org/thread/wbdm61ch6l0kzjn6nnfmyqlng82qz0or Mailing ListVendor Advisory

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Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2023-51518), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.