CVE-2023-33246
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitApache RocketMQ may have remote code execution vulnerability when using update configuration function
Published Jul 6, 2023 · Updated Aug 12, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-x3cq-8f32-5f63
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-33246 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Rocketmq (Apache), org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-broker (maven), org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-controller (maven) and 1 more product.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 28, 2023. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 97% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Rocketmq 4.9.6, org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-broker 5.1.1, org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-controller 5.1.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
97%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2023-33246 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
For RocketMQ versions 5.1.0 and below, under certain conditions, there is a risk of remote command execution.
Several components of RocketMQ, including NameServer, Broker, and Controller, are leaked on the extranet and lack permission verification, an attacker can exploit this vulnerability by using the update configuration function to execute commands as the system users that RocketMQ is running as. Additionally, an attacker can achieve the same effect by forging the RocketMQ protocol content.
To prevent these attacks, users are recommended to upgrade to version 5.1.1 or above for using RocketMQ 5.x or 4.9.6 or above for using RocketMQ 4.x .
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Sep 6, 2023 | Sep 27, 2023 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Aug 28, 2023 | Sep 27, 2023 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Sep 6, 2023 | Sep 27, 2023 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Sep 6, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
5 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| RocketmqApache | See advisory | 4.9.6 |
| org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-brokermaven | >= 5.0.0 | 5.1.1 |
| org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-controllermaven | >= 5.0.0 | 5.1.1 |
| org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-namesrvmaven | >= 4.0.0 | 5.1.1 |
Patched Releases
Rocketmq
4.9.6
org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-broker
5.1.1
org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-controller
5.1.1
org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-namesrv
4.9.6, 5.1.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 6, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Aug 28, 2023
Added to CISA KEV
Sep 6, 2023
Added to CIRCL KEV
Sep 6, 2023
Added to ENISA EUVD
Sep 6, 2023
Last updated
Aug 12, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://github.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/tree/main/cves/2023/33xxx/CVE-2023-33246.json
- advisoryhttps://lists.apache.org/thread/1s8j2c8kogthtpv3060yddk03zq0pxyp
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-33246
- advisoryhttps://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-33246
FAQ
Common Questions.
For RocketMQ versions 5.1.0 and below, under certain conditions, there is a risk of remote command execution.
Affected: Rocketmq (Apache); org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-broker (maven) versions >= 5.0.0; org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-controller (maven) versions >= 5.0.0, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Aug 28, 2023.
Yes. It was added on Sep 6, 2023 with a federal remediation due date of Sep 27, 2023.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Rocketmq 4.9.6, org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-broker 5.1.1, org.apache.rocketmq:rocketmq-controller 5.1.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2023-33246 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo