# CVE-2016-15057: Apache Continuum: Command injection leading to RCE

> Attackers with REST API access can execute arbitrary commands on the server via command injection in the retired Apache Continuum.

- **Severity:** Critical 9.9 (`CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H`)
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Any signed-in user
- **Attackable:** Over the internet
- **Victim action needed:** Not needed
- **Fix available:** No
- **Published:** 26 Jan 2026
- **Updated:** 26 Jan 2026
- **Also known as:** GHSA-77p9-w6pj-rmvg

## What is CVE-2016-15057?

CVE-2016-15057 is a critical command injection vulnerability in Apache Continuum, published on 26 Jan 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.

### Official description

** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection') vulnerability in Apache Continuum.

This issue affects Apache Continuum: all versions.

Attackers with access to the installations REST API can use this to invoke arbitrary commands on the server.

As this project is retired, we do not plan to release a version that fixes this issue. Users are recommended to find an alternative or restrict access to the instance to trusted users.

NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer.

Weakness: CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command)

## Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-15057?

2 open source packages ship an affected version, including org.apache.continuum:continuum. It affects 1 product.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `org.apache.continuum:continuum` | Maven | All versions to 1.4.2 | None |
| `org.apache.continuum:continuum` | Maven | All versions to 1.4.2 | None |

Products: Apache Continuum.

## How do I fix CVE-2016-15057?

No fix has been published for CVE-2016-15057 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

## Is CVE-2016-15057 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2016-15057 exists.

Public exploit code:

- Apache Continuum Arbitrary Command Execution (metasploit)

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for CVE-2016-15057 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: CVE-2016-15057 is a critical command injection vulnerability in Apache Continuum, published on 26 Jan 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Exploitation: It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2016-15057 exists.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- org.apache.continuum:continuum (Maven): affected all versions up to 1.4.2; no fix listed
- org.apache.continuum:continuum (Maven): affected all versions up to 1.4.2; no fix listed

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2016-15057/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2016-15057/index.md)
```

## Sources

- CVE record: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2016-15057
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-15057
- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2016-15057

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From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2016-15057/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.