A critical security flaw has been identified in Apache Jackrabbit, a leading Java-based content repository system, potentially placing thousands of enterprise applications at risk of remote code execution (RCE).
Tracked as CVE-2025-58782, this vulnerability impacts both Apache Jackrabbit Core and JCR Commons components and is rated as Important.
The issue stems from unsafe deserialization of untrusted data via JNDI-based repository lookups, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
Deserialization Vulnerability via JNDI Injection
Security researchers revealed that deployments relying on the JndiRepositoryFactory for Java Content Repository (JCR) lookups are specifically vulnerable to JNDI injection.
When an application accepts untrusted inputs for repository connections, an attacker can craft a malicious JNDI URI embedding harmful payloads.
During the serialization phase, the JNDI lookup resolves and deserializes the payload, triggering remote code execution and compromising system integrity and confidentiality.
In environments where Jackrabbit is used for content management, enterprise search, document storage, or as a backend for web applications, exploitation can result in unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or installation of persistent backdoors.
Automated scanning tools can rapidly weaponize this flaw, making unpatched servers easy targets.
Apache Jackrabbit contributor Marcel Reutegger confirmed the vulnerability in an advisory, urging organizations to upgrade immediately.
Versions 1.0.0 through 2.22.1 of both Jackrabbit Core and JCR Commons are affected. The Apache Software Foundation recommends upgrading to version 2.22.2, where JNDI lookup is disabled by default.
For deployments that require JNDI lookups, the feature must be explicitly re-enabled, and administrators should rigorously audit JNDI configurations to ensure only trusted URIs are processed.
This vulnerability has been tracked under internal bug code JCR-5135, and the patch has already been merged into the codebase.
James John was acknowledged for reporting the issue, and detailed mitigation instructions are published on the Apache Jackrabbit website and in the CVE database.
Organizations unable to upgrade immediately should temporarily disable JNDI-based repository lookups and monitor for anomalous JNDI connection attempts.
Security teams are advised to implement network-level restrictions to block outbound JNDI traffic, apply runtime protection measures, and conduct post-incident forensic analysis to detect any indicators of compromise.
| CVE ID | Component | Affected Versions | Severity | Type of Vulnerability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2025-58782 | Apache Jackrabbit Core, JCR Commons | 1.0.0 through 2.22.1 | Important | Deserialization of Untrusted Data via JNDI Injection |
With active exploitation attempts already observed in the wild, rapid remediation is essential. Administrators should prioritize upgrading to Jackrabbit 2.22.2 or implement interim mitigations to thwart potential attacks and safeguard sensitive content repositories.
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