CVE-2016-3088
Apache Activemq 5.0.0 – 5.14.0
Raw vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HCVSS and EPSS are reproduced from their sources (NVD, FIRST EPSS). Risk Priority is our own derived reading, not an NVD score.
Summary
CVE-2016-3088 is a critical-severity Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type (CWE-434) vulnerability in Apache Activemq. Its CVSS base score is 9.8 (Critical).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Data Obfuscation (T1001); ranked in the top 0.1% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; CISA has added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis AI-assisted summary
Synthesised by an AI model from the NVD description and linked references — a reading aid, not an authoritative source.
The vulnerability CVE-2016-3088 is an unrestricted file upload flaw (CWE-434) in the Fileserver web application component of Apache ActiveMQ 5.x releases prior to 5.14.0. It enables remote attackers to place arbitrary files on the server by issuing an HTTP PUT request followed by an HTTP MOVE request. The flaw received a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, reflecting network attack vector, low complexity, and no required privileges or user interaction.
Unauthenticated attackers with network access to the ActiveMQ Fileserver endpoint can exploit the issue to upload executable content and subsequently invoke it, resulting in full control over confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected broker and host system.
Public advisories, including the Apache ActiveMQ security announcement and the corresponding Red Hat erratum, direct users to upgrade to version 5.14.0 or later to eliminate the vulnerable Fileserver behavior. Additional vendor tracking entries from SecurityTracker and Zero Day Initiative reference the same remediation path.
OWASP Top 10 for Web (2025)
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2022-5255
Vulnerability Data
The Fileserver web application in Apache ActiveMQ 5.x before 5.14.0 allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary files via an HTTP PUT followed by an HTTP MOVE request.
- CWE(s)
- KEV Date Added
- 10 February 2022
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise Techniques
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Control response
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V5.1.1
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Requiring identifiable owners for portable devices reduces the attack surface for unrestricted uploads of dangerous file types via anonymous media.
Dangerous file uploads can be detonated in the chamber to determine malice before any production write or execution occurs.
Prevents unrestricted writing of arbitrary or malicious firmware by keeping hardware write-protect enabled except under tightly controlled manual procedures.
Scans files from external sources on download/open/execute, blocking unrestricted uploads of dangerous file types.
Mitigating Controls (NIST CSF 2.0) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→CSF cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Hardened configuration baselines can enforce allowed file types and processing rules.
Restricting execution of unauthorized software directly blocks dangerous uploaded files from running.
Secure development practices include input validation and file-type restrictions that prevent this weakness.
Mitigating Controls (ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→ISO cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.