CVE-2026-33728 dd-trace-java: Unsafe deserialization in RMI instrumentation may lead to remote code execution
Attacker with network access to RMI/JMX ports on Java 16 or earlier can achieve remote code execution via unsafe deserialization in Datadog dd-trace-java.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-33728?
CVE-2026-33728 is a critical unsafe deserialization vulnerability in DataDog dd-trace-java, published on 27 Mar 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
dd-trace-java is a Datadog APM client for Java. In versions of dd-trace-java 0.40.0 through prior to 1.60.2, the RMI instrumentation registered a custom endpoint that deserialized incoming data without applying serialization filters. On JDK version 16 and earlier, an attacker with network access to a JMX or RMI port on an instrumented JVM could exploit this to potentially achieve remote code execution. All three of the following conditions must be true to exploit this vulnerability: First, dd-trace-java is attached as a Java agent (`-javaagent`) on Java 16 or earlier. Second, a JMX/RMI port has been explicitly configured via `-Dcom.sun.management.jmxremote.port` and is network-reachable, Third, a gadget-chain-compatible library is present on the classpath. For JDK >= 17, no action is required, but upgrading is strongly encouraged. For JDK >= 8u121 < JDK 17, upgrade to dd-trace-java version 1.60.3 or later. For JDK < 8u121 and earlier where serialization filters are not available, apply the workaround. The workaround is to set the following environment variable to disable the RMI integration: `DD_INTEGRATION_RMI_ENABLED=false`.
Weakness: CWE-502
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-33728?
2 open source packages ship an affected version, including com.datadoghq:dd-java-agent. It affects 1 product.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
com.datadoghq:dd-java-agent Maven | From 0.40.0 | 1.60.3 |
com.datadoghq:dd-java-agent Maven | From 0.40.0 | 1.60.3 |
Products include Datadog Dd-Trace-Java.
How do I fix CVE-2026-33728?
Upgrade com.datadoghq:dd-java-agent to 1.60.3 or later.
Upgrade, and only deserialise data from trusted sources or with an allow-list of types. More about Unsafe deserialization.
Is CVE-2026-33728 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-33728 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-579q-h82j-r5v2.