OpenTelemetry Java Instrumentation <2.26.1: RMI Deserialization RCE (JDK 16)
CVE-2026-33701 Published on March 27, 2026
OpenTelemetry: Unsafe Deserialization in RMI Instrumentation may Lead to Remote Code Execution
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.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-33701 can be exploited with network access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is consided to have a high level of attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Weakness Type
What is a Marshaling, Unmarshaling Vulnerability?
The application deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently verifying that the resulting data will be valid.
CVE-2026-33701 has been classified to as a Marshaling, Unmarshaling vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-33701
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Affected Versions
open-telemetry opentelemetry-java-instrumentation:- Version < 2.26.1 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.