CVE-2023-32081: Vert.x STOMP server process client frames that would not send initially a connect frame

Severity: medium (CVSS 6.5 v3.1)
Exploited in the wild: not listed in CISA KEV
EPSS: 0.5% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days
Public exploit or detection template: none known
Published: 2023-05-12 · updated 2026-06-17
Weakness: CWE-287

Description

Vert.x STOMP is a vert.x implementation of the STOMP specification that provides a STOMP server and client. From versions 3.1.0 until 3.9.16 and 4.0.0 until 4.4.2, a Vert.x STOMP server processes client STOMP frames without checking that the client send an initial CONNECT frame replied with a successful CONNECTED frame. The client can subscribe to a destination or publish message without prior authentication. Any Vert.x STOMP server configured with an authentication handler is impacted. The issue is patched in Vert.x 3.9.16 and 4.4.2. There are no trivial workarounds.

Affected products

vert-x3 vertx-stomp: from 3.1.0 before 3.9.16; from 4.0.0 before 4.4.2 — fixed in 3.9.16, 4.4.2

How to fix

Upgrade to a fixed version: vert-x3 vertx-stomp 3.9.16, 4.4.2. Check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

References

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