CVE-2015-1830 in ActiveMQ
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the fileserver upload/download functionality for blob messages in Apache ActiveMQ 5.x before 5.11.2 for Windows allows remote attackers to create JSP files in arbitrary directories via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1830 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Apache ActiveMQ's file server implementation specifically affecting versions 5.x prior to 5.11.2 on Windows systems. This weakness resides in the blob message upload and download functionality where the application fails to properly validate file paths during file operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the file system through crafted requests. The vulnerability manifests when processing blob messages that involve file transfers, allowing unauthorized users to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code within the application's security context.
The technical exploitation of this directory traversal vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors that enable attackers to manipulate file paths during upload operations, specifically targeting the Windows file system where the ActiveMQ instance is running. Attackers can leverage this flaw to create malicious JSP files in arbitrary directories, effectively bypassing normal file system permissions and access controls. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and path sanitization within the blob message handling code, where user-supplied file names or paths are not properly filtered before being processed by the underlying file system operations.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Apache ActiveMQ in Windows environments, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can be leveraged to compromise entire systems. The ability to create JSP files in arbitrary directories means attackers can potentially deploy web shells or other malicious payloads that persist beyond the initial compromise. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, or as a foothold for further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where ActiveMQ serves as a message broker for enterprise applications, as it can provide attackers with access to sensitive data flows and communication channels.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to Apache ActiveMQ version 5.11.2 or later, which contains patches addressing the directory traversal vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file path validation, restricting file upload capabilities to authenticated users only, and configuring proper access controls within the ActiveMQ configuration files. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to ActiveMQ services, particularly restricting direct access from untrusted networks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting Windows Command Shell. Security monitoring should focus on unusual file creation patterns, particularly JSP or other web executable files being created in unexpected locations within ActiveMQ's file system hierarchy.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper path handling in enterprise messaging systems, where the consequences of inadequate security controls can extend far beyond the immediate application boundaries. The lack of proper sanitization in file path handling represents a fundamental security flaw that can be exploited to gain unauthorized system access, making it essential for organizations to maintain up-to-date security patches and implement comprehensive security monitoring for their messaging infrastructure components.