Apache Jackrabbit Vulnerability Exposes Systems to Remote Code Execution Attacks

Cybersecurity

A security vulnerability has been identified in Apache Jackrabbit, a widely utilized content repository system, exposing applications to potential remote code execution (RCE) threats.

The flaw, designated as CVE-2025-58782, affects both Apache Jackrabbit Core and Apache Jackrabbit JCR Commons and has been classified with a severity level of “important.”

The vulnerability stems from the deserialization of untrusted data within JNDI-based repository lookups. It can be exploited by injecting malicious JNDI references when applications accept untrusted inputs for repository connections.

Once exploited, this vulnerability may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, posing risks to sensitive data and system stability.

Vulnerability Details

Security researchers have highlighted that deployments using JndiRepositoryFactory for JCR lookup are particularly vulnerable.

An attacker can potentially craft a malicious JNDI URI to introduce harmful payloads. These payloads are deserialized by the affected component, enabling remote exploitation.

Marcel Reutegger, a core Apache Jackrabbit contributor, confirmed the vulnerability in a public advisory. Organizations using versions 1.0.0 through 2.22.1 of both Jackrabbit Core and JCR Commons should take immediate action.

The Apache Software Foundation advises upgrading to version 2.22.2, which disables JNDI lookup by default. Users needing this feature must enable it explicitly and are encouraged to review their configurations.

If exploited, attackers could gain remote access to vulnerable servers, execute arbitrary commands, or establish persistent control through backdoors.

This vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations using Jackrabbit for content management, enterprise search, or document storage.

The vulnerability has the potential to be weaponized in automated attacks, posing a significant threat to unpatched systems. Given Jackrabbit’s prevalence in enterprise-grade applications, the exposure could be extensive.

Security experts urge administrators to upgrade to Jackrabbit 2.22.2 without delay. Those unable to upgrade immediately should disable JNDI lookups for JCR connections.

Organizations are also advised to monitor systems for suspicious JNDI-based connections and audit all externally supplied URIs.

This vulnerability is tracked under the internal bug code JCR-5135, and a fix has been released. James John, who reported the issue, is credited in the advisory. Additional details are available on Apache Jackrabbit’s official website and the CVE database.

Given active threats, immediate action is essential to prevent exploitation of this security flaw.