# CVE-2016-8736: Apache OpenMeetings RCE

> Attackers can execute arbitrary code remotely via an RMI deserialization vulnerability in Apache OpenMeetings.

- **Severity:** Critical 9.8 (`CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H`)
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Not needed
- **Attackable:** Over the internet
- **Victim action needed:** Not needed
- **Fix available:** Yes
- **Published:** 12 Oct 2017
- **Updated:** 6 Aug 2024
- **Also known as:** GHSA-6cpg-3w7f-j67q

## What is CVE-2016-8736?

CVE-2016-8736 is a critical unsafe deserialization vulnerability in Apache OpenMeetings, published on 12 Oct 2017. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

### Official description

Apache OpenMeetings before 3.1.2 is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution via RMI deserialization attack.

Weakness: CWE-502 (Deserialization of Untrusted Data)

## Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-8736?

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


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `org.apache.openmeetings:openmeetings-parent` | Maven | All versions | 3.1.2 |
| `org.apache.openmeetings:openmeetings-parent` | Maven | All versions | 3.1.2 |

Products: Apache Openmeetings.

## How do I fix CVE-2016-8736?

Upgrade org.apache.openmeetings:openmeetings-parent to 3.1.2 or later.

## Is CVE-2016-8736 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2016-8736 in the wild and no public exploit code.

## Other vulnerabilities in Apache OpenMeetings

- [CVE-2017-7664](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2017-7664/): Apache OpenMeetings does not correctly validate uploaded XML documents (critical 10.0)
- [CVE-2024-54676](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2024-54676/): Apache OpenMeetings: Deserialisation of untrusted data in cluster mode (critical 9.8)
- [CVE-2023-28326](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2023-28326/): Apache OpenMeetings: allows user impersonation (critical 9.8)
- [CVE-2017-7673](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2017-7673/): Apache OpenMeetings has Inadequate Encryption Strength (critical 9.8)
- [CVE-2017-7666](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2017-7666/): Apache OpenMeetings vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery (high 8.8)

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for CVE-2016-8736 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: CVE-2016-8736 is a critical unsafe deserialization vulnerability in Apache OpenMeetings, published on 12 Oct 2017. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Exploitation: There is no known exploitation of CVE-2016-8736 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- org.apache.openmeetings:openmeetings-parent (Maven): affected all versions; fixed in 3.1.2
- org.apache.openmeetings:openmeetings-parent (Maven): affected all versions; fixed in 3.1.2

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-2016-8736/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2016-8736/index.md)
```

## Sources

- CVE record: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2016-8736
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-8736
- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2016-8736

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2016-8736/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.