How to remediate – Apache ActiveMQ Detection

1. Introduction

An activemq listen service is running on the remote web server. This means Apache ActiveMQ, an open source messaging system, is exposed and potentially accessible from a network. This could allow attackers to access sensitive data or disrupt services. Affected systems are typically servers hosting applications that use ActiveMQ for message queuing. A compromised ActiveMQ instance can impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability of messages and connected applications.

2. Technical Explanation

A listen service is running on the remote host, indicating Apache ActiveMQ is active and listening for connections. Attackers could exploit vulnerabilities in ActiveMQ to gain unauthorized access or execute arbitrary code. Exploitation requires network connectivity to the exposed port.

• Root cause: The ActiveMQ listen service is enabled without sufficient security controls, allowing remote access.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker could connect to the ActiveMQ broker and exploit known vulnerabilities in the messaging system or its configuration. For example, an attacker might leverage default credentials or unauthenticated access points.
• Scope: Affected platforms are those running Apache ActiveMQ versions with network connectivity enabled.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirm whether a system is vulnerable by checking for the activemq listen service. A quick check can identify if the service is running, while thorough methods involve examining the ActiveMQ configuration.

• Quick checks: Use netstat to see if any processes are listening on ports commonly used by ActiveMQ (e.g., 61616).
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 17042 can detect exposed ActiveMQ instances. This is an example only, and results should be verified.
• Logs and evidence: Check system logs for messages related to ActiveMQ startup or connection attempts. Look for entries indicating the service is listening on a specific port.

netstat -tulnp | grep activemq

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

Provide precise steps to fix the issue by securing or disabling the ActiveMQ listen service. Make steps small and testable.

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure you have access to the ActiveMQ configuration files. A roll back plan is to restore from the snapshot.
• A change window may be required depending on service criticality and impact. Approval from system owners might be needed.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Stop the ActiveMQ service using your operating system’s service manager (e.g., `systemctl stop activemq` or `service activemq stop`).
2. Step 2: Configure ActiveMQ to bind only to localhost if remote access is not required. Edit the `activemq.xml` file and set `
3. Step 3: If remote access is necessary, configure strong authentication and authorization for all connections.
4. Step 4: Restart the ActiveMQ service using your operating system’s service manager (e.g., `systemctl start activemq` or `service activemq start`).

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

<transportConnector uri="tcp://0.0.0.0:61616" />

After

<transportConnector uri="tcp://localhost:61616" />

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice. For example: least privilege, input validation, safe defaults, secure headers, patch cadence. If a practice does not apply, do not include it.

• Practice 1: Least privilege to reduce the impact if ActiveMQ is compromised. Limit network access and user permissions.
• Practice 2: Secure defaults by changing default credentials and disabling unnecessary features.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# Example Bash script to check ActiveMQ binding address
netstat -tulnp | grep activemq | awk '{print $4}' | grep 0.0.0.0 && echo "ActiveMQ is listening on all interfaces!" || echo "ActiveMQ is not listening on all interfaces."

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix worked by checking that ActiveMQ is no longer accessible from remote networks or that strong authentication is enabled. Provide commands and expected outputs.

• Post-fix check: Run `netstat -tulnp | grep activemq` and confirm it’s listening only on localhost (127.0.0.1).
• Re-test: Re-run the initial detection method to verify that ActiveMQ is no longer exposed on all interfaces.
• Smoke test: Verify that applications relying on ActiveMQ can still connect and send/receive messages if remote access has been enabled with authentication.
• Monitoring: Monitor ActiveMQ logs for failed connection attempts or unauthorized access attempts.

netstat -tulnp | grep activemq

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Suggest only measures that are relevant to the vulnerability type. Use “for example” to keep advice conditional, not prescriptive.

• Baselines: Update security baselines or policies to require secure ActiveMQ configurations (e.g., binding to localhost, strong authentication).
• Asset and patch process: Implement a regular review cycle for ActiveMQ configuration files and security updates.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

• Roll back: Restore the original ActiveMQ configuration file from the snapshot and restart the service.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://activemq.apache.org/