CVE-2026-33701
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.
- SSVC automatable: yes - attacks can be scripted at scale
- CVSS base score ≥ 7.0
ATT&CK techniques
1Techniques this CVE enables - linked via CWECAPECATT&CK. High◆ = named directly in ATT&CK or Nuclei templates.
▤ Build a SIEM detection for these techniquesCAPEC attack patterns
1Attack patterns this CVE enables - the bridge from weakness to ATT&CK technique.