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CriticalCISA KEVExploited in the wildPublic exploit

Unauthenticated RCE in ForgeRock AM via JATO Java Deserialization

IdentifiersCVE-2021-35464CWE-502· Deserialization of Untrusted Data

CVE-2021-35464 is a Java deserialization vulnerability in ForgeRock Access Management (AM/OpenAM) versions before 7.0, including 6.0.0.x and 6.5 through 6.5.3 as described in the provided content. The flaw is in handling of the JATO framework's jato.pageSession parameter on multiple pages. Because untrusted serialized Java data can be supplied to this parameter, an unauthenticated remote attacker can trigger unsafe deserialization by sending a crafted request, including a single crafted /ccversion/* request, to a vulnerable server. The issue is associated with use of the Sun ONE Application Framework (JATO) in Java 8 or earlier environments. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution on the target ForgeRock AM server.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote code execution against an internet-accessible ForgeRock AM server. A successful attacker can fully compromise the application server context, execute arbitrary commands, extract credentials and tokens, deploy malware, establish persistence, and use the compromised identity infrastructure as a pivot point for broader intrusion activity. The provided content specifically notes use for initial access and compromise of AWS-hosted identity services, with follow-on privilege escalation, lateral movement, and potential downstream impacts including data breach and ransomware operations.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

If immediate remediation is not possible, restrict external access to ForgeRock AM/OpenAM instances, especially public-facing endpoints such as /ccversion/* and other pages processing jato.pageSession. Place the service behind tightly controlled network access, WAF or reverse-proxy filtering, and IP allowlisting where feasible. Monitor for crafted requests targeting jato.pageSession and anomalous access to /ccversion/*, and isolate or disable exposed vulnerable instances until patched. Because exploitation is unauthenticated, reducing internet exposure is a key interim control.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade ForgeRock AM to a fixed release not affected by CVE-2021-35464; the provided content indicates versions before 7.0 are vulnerable, and specifically references affected 6.0.0.x and 6.5 through 6.5.3 builds. Remove or replace vulnerable deployments that rely on the affected JATO-based functionality. Apply vendor-provided patches or upgrade guidance for ForgeRock AM/OpenAM and ensure the underlying vulnerable component usage is eliminated.
PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (1 hidden).

VALID 1 / 2 TOTALView more in app
openam-CVE-2021-35464MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository is an exploit for CVE-2021-35464, a pre-authentication remote code execution vulnerability in ForgeRock OpenAM. The exploit is based on ysoserial and Java-Rce-Echo, and leverages Java deserialization to inject a memory shell into Tomcat, enabling arbitrary command execution via HTTP requests. The main exploit logic is in the Java files under src/ysoserial/payloads, particularly Click1.java (which constructs a malicious serialized object) and TomcatEchoInject.java (which implements the memory shell). The entry point is src/com/test/Main.java, which demonstrates generating the payload. The README provides a detailed example of the HTTP POST request required to trigger the vulnerability, targeting the /OpenAM/ccversion/Version endpoint. The exploit requires the attacker to send a crafted serialized object to the vulnerable endpoint, after which commands can be executed on the server by including a 'cmd' header in subsequent requests. The repository is operational and provides a working exploit for the vulnerability, but does not include a fully weaponized, automated attack tool.

Y4erDisclosed Jul 1, 2021javanetwork
EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType
ForgerockAccess Managementapplication
ForgerockOpenamapplication

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What this page doesn’t show

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Exposure mapping

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Threat actor evidence3

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware1

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures2

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity1

Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.