CVE-2016-0734 in Enterprise Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The web-based administration console in Apache ActiveMQ 5.x before 5.13.2 does not send an X-Frame-Options HTTP header, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via a crafted web page that contains a (1) FRAME or (2) IFRAME element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0734 affects Apache ActiveMQ versions 5.x prior to 5.13.2, specifically targeting the web-based administration console component. This issue represents a critical security weakness that undermines the application's defensive posture against sophisticated attack vectors. The flaw exists within the HTTP response headers sent by the console, where the absence of proper security headers creates exploitable conditions for malicious actors seeking to compromise the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly enables clickjacking attacks, which can be executed through carefully crafted web pages that manipulate user interactions with the targeted console interface.
The technical flaw manifests as the complete omission of the X-Frame-Options HTTP header from responses generated by the ActiveMQ administration console. This header serves as a crucial security mechanism that instructs web browsers whether to allow rendering of a page within frame, iframe, or object elements. Without this protection, browsers default to allowing frame embedding, making the console susceptible to overlay attacks where malicious content can be positioned beneath legitimate interface elements. Attackers can craft web pages containing hidden FRAME or IFRAME elements that load the vulnerable ActiveMQ console, creating a deceptive user experience where legitimate interface elements are overlaid with malicious content. The vulnerability specifically affects the web administration interface, which is typically accessible through standard HTTP ports and often requires authentication, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized actions through user interaction. When a victim visits a malicious website containing the crafted frame elements, they may unknowingly interact with the embedded ActiveMQ console, potentially executing administrative commands or accessing sensitive configuration data. The attack requires minimal technical sophistication and can be deployed at scale, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where ActiveMQ systems are commonly used for message queuing and integration. The vulnerability is especially problematic because it can be exploited by attackers who do not require direct network access to the ActiveMQ system, as the attack vector operates through web browser-based techniques that can be delivered via phishing campaigns or compromised websites.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies to protect their ActiveMQ installations. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the patch released with Apache ActiveMQ version 5.13.2, which properly implements the X-Frame-Options header to prevent frame embedding. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers as an additional layer of protection, which can provide more granular control over frame loading behavior. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to ensure that the web administration console is not directly exposed to untrusted networks, and that appropriate authentication mechanisms are in place to limit access to authorized personnel only. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which describes insufficient protection against clickjacking attacks, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in web application security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique for privilege escalation through web application vulnerabilities, where attackers can leverage the clickjacking capability to gain administrative access to message queuing systems that often contain sensitive enterprise data.