CVE-2016-5003: The Apache XML-RPC (aka ws-xmlrpc) library 3.1.3, as used in Apache Archiva, allows remote attackers to execut

Q: How do I fix CVE-2016-5003?

ws-xmlrpc: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2016-5003 being exploited?

CVE-2016-5003 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2016-5003 affect?

CVE-2016-5003 affects ws-xmlrpc. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). 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 element.

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEWATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-5003 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting ws-xmlrpc. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	14.9% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-502
Published	2017-10-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: apache

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-10-27 18:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:48 UTCUpdated Record last modified

apache ws-xmlrpc DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.1.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.1.3

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy ws-xmlrpc || rpm -q ws-xmlrpc || ws-xmlrpc --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.1.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ws-xmlrpc sudo apt install ws-xmlrpc=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1.3> sudo apt-mark hold ws-xmlrpc

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list ws-xmlrpc sudo dnf downgrade ws-xmlrpc-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1.3> sudo dnf versionlock add ws-xmlrpc

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Exact fixes by distribution

A distro patch exists: prefer upgrading over downgrading.

Maven · org.apache.xmlrpc:xmlrpc · NO FIX YET · vulnerable: <= 3.1.3 · source

Fedora 46 · shotcut · FIXED · 26.10.30-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-7787c7fc2d · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-7787c7fc2d

RHEL 6 · xmlrpc3 · FIXED · xmlrpc3-3.0-4.17.el6_9

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=RHSA-2018:1779 rpm -q xmlrpc3

RHEL 7 · xmlrpc · FIXED · xmlrpc-3.1.3-9.el7_5

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=RHSA-2018:1780 rpm -q xmlrpc

RHEL 5 · xmlrpc · DEFERRED

Amazon Linux 2 · see advisory · FIXED · ALAS2-2018-1041 · source

sudo yum update --advisory=ALAS2-2018-1041

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2016-5003?

ws-xmlrpc: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-5003 being exploited?

CVE-2016-5003 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2016-5003 affect?

CVE-2016-5003 affects ws-xmlrpc. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). 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.

How urgent is CVE-2016-5003?

Priority 73/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Java vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2016-5004 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE The Content-Encoding HTTP header feature in ws-xmlrpc 3.1.3 as used in Apache Archiva allows remote attackers

References

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