CVE-2013-6469 in JBoss
Summary
by MITRE
JBoss Overlord Run Time Governance (RTGov) 1.0 for JBossAS allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary Java code via an MVFLEX Expression Language (MVEL) expression. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6469 affects JBoss Overlord Run Time Governance version 1.0 deployed on JBoss Application Server environments. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that enables authenticated attackers to inject and execute arbitrary Java code within the target system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the RTGov component, specifically when processing MVEL expression language constructs.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper handling of MVEL expressions within the RTGov framework's configuration and management interfaces. When authenticated users submit crafted MVEL expressions through specific API endpoints or configuration parameters, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing. This allows attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the Java Virtual Machine context of the running application server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authentication credentials, making it accessible to both internal and external attackers who have gained valid user access to the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire JBossAS environment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on RTGov for runtime governance and monitoring capabilities, potentially exposing critical business applications and sensitive data processing environments to unauthorized access. The attack vector through MVEL expressions also suggests that the vulnerability may extend beyond simple code execution to include complex payload delivery mechanisms that could evade traditional security controls.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and relates to the broader ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell." Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches, disabling unnecessary MVEL expression processing capabilities, implementing network segmentation to restrict access to affected components, and conducting thorough security assessments of all runtime governance and monitoring systems. Additionally, organizations should establish robust input validation controls, monitor for suspicious expression language usage patterns, and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in enterprise application frameworks, particularly those handling dynamic expression evaluation mechanisms that are common in governance and monitoring solutions.