CVE-2026-33701

Critical

Description

OpenTelemetry Java Instrumentation provides OpenTelemetry auto-instrumentation and instrumentation libraries for Java. In versions prior to 2.26.1, 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, OpenTelemetry Java instrumentation is attached as a Java agent (`-javaagent`) on Java 16 or earlier. Second, JMX/RMI port has been explicitly configured via `-Dcom.sun.management.jmxremote.port` and is network-reachable. Third, gadget-chain-compatible library is present on the classpath. This results in arbitrary remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the instrumented JVM. For JDK >= 17, no action is required, but upgrading is strongly encouraged. For JDK < 17, upgrade to version 2.26.1 or later. As a workaround, set the system property `-Dotel.instrumentation.rmi.enabled=false` to disable the RMI integration.

SeverityCritical
CVSS9.8
Exploit probability—
ProductLinuxfoundation Opentelemetry Instrumentation For Java
PublishedMar 27, 2026
First seenMar 27, 2026

How to fix

Update
  • linuxfoundation opentelemetry_instrumentation_for_java2.26.1 or later
  • io.opentelemetry.javaagent:opentelemetry-javaagent2.26.1 or later

Affected products

ProductAffected versionsFixed in
linuxfoundation opentelemetry_instrumentation_for_javav < 2.26.12.26.1
io.opentelemetry.javaagent:opentelemetry-javaagentMavenv < 2.26.12.26.1

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