HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2016-8735
HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2016-8735

Published: May 12, 2023

EPSS:93.67%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:99.8th

Official Description

Apache Tomcat contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for remote code execution if JmxRemoteLifecycleListener is used and an attacker can reach Java Management Extension (JMX) ports. This CVE exists because this listener wasn't updated for consistency with the Oracle patched issues for CVE-2016-3427 which affected credential types.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Apache Tomcat Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Apache Tomcat contains an unspecified vulnerability that allows for remote code execution if JmxRemoteLifecycleListener is used and an attacker can reach Java Management Extension (JMX) ports. This CVE exists because this listener wasn't updated for consistency with the Oracle patched issues for CVE-2016-3427 which affected credential types.

Added to KEV: 2023-05-12Federal patch deadline: 2023-06-02
Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

Apache Tomcat is affected by a vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution if the JmxRemoteLifecycleListener is in use and JMX ports are accessible to an attacker. The very high EPSS score of 0.93668 signifies a strong probability of exploitation, demanding urgent action. This CVE is confirmed to be actively exploited, as indicated by its presence in the KEV.

This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild. Attackers can achieve remote code execution if they can reach the Java Management Extension (JMX) ports.

Recommended Action

Update Apache Tomcat to a patched version. Ensure JMX ports are not exposed to untrusted networks and implement strong authentication for JMX access.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2016-8735 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

CISA has added CVE-2016-8735 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.

Affected Vendors & Products

Mentioned vendors (from description):
OracleApacheJava
CPE data not yet available in NVD for this CVE.

Exploit & PoC Resources

ACTIVE EXPLOITATIONConfirmed exploitation in the wild
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All References (2)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2016-8735
SeverityHIGH
CISA KEVYES — Active Exploitation
ExploitIN THE WILD
EPSS (30d)93.67%
PublishedMay 12, 2023

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2016-8735 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
  • !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
  • !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.