CVE-2016-15057: Apache Continuum vulnerable to Command Injection through Installations REST API

Should you act?

Critical, preconditions apply

Severe if exploited, but exploitation needs conditions that may not apply to you. This signal is computed from CISA KEV, EPSS and CVSS data; it is not an editorial verdict.

• No confirmed exploitation. It is not in CISA’s KEV catalog and CISA’s SSVC assessment records no known exploitation. That can change quickly after a public write-up; re-check if you are affected.
• EPSS 4.1%, percentile 91: FIRST’s model estimates a 4.1% chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 91% of all scored CVEs (elevated). EPSS is a probability, not a verdict.
• Needs an account (low (any account)). Exposure depends on who can log in.
• Only applies if your dependency tree includes org.apache.continuum:continuum (Maven) <= 1.4.2, no fixed version listed. Check your lockfile, including transitive dependencies.

What it is

UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection') vulnerability in Apache Continuum. This issue affects Apache Continuum: all versions. Attackers with access to the installations REST API can use this to invoke arbitrary commands on the server. As this project is retired, we do not plan to release a version that fixes this issue. Users are recommended to find an alternative or restrict access to the instance to trusted users. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer.

From the GitHub advisory

UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED

Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection') vulnerability in Apache Continuum.

This issue affects Apache Continuum: all versions.

Attackers with access to the Installations REST API can use this to invoke arbitrary commands on the server.

As this project is retired, we do not plan to release a version that fixes this issue. Users are recommended to find an alternative or restrict access to the instance to trusted users.

Weakness type: CWE-77.

Product: org.apache.continuum:continuum (Maven) · Assigned by: apache · Published: 2026-01-26

Affected and fixed versions

Severity scores

• Attack vector: network (remotely reachable)
• Attack complexity: low
• Privileges required: low (any account)
• User interaction: none
• Scope: changed (can affect other components)

CVSS measures how bad a flaw is if exploited, not how likely exploitation is. Read it next to the exploitation data below.

Exploitation and urgency

• CISA KEV: not listed (no confirmed in-the-wild exploitation known to CISA).
• CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation none, automatable no, technical impact total.
• FIRST EPSS (model of 2026-10-21): 4.13% probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days; percentile 91.

Timeline

• 2026-01-26 — CVE record last updated
• 2026-01-26 — CVE record published by apache
• 2026-01-26 — GitHub-reviewed advisory GHSA-77p9-w6pj-rmvg published (critical)

Sources and references

Original sources first. Version and fix details should always be confirmed against the vendor or project advisory.

Vendor and project advisories, patches

1. lists.apache.org lists.apache.org

Vulnerability records

1. GitHub Advisory GHSA-77p9-w6pj-rmvg github.com
2. CVE.org record CVE-2016-15057 cve.org
3. NVD entry CVE-2016-15057 nvd.nist.gov

Other references from the CVE record and advisory

1. openwall.com openwall.com

Critical Maven advisories · Today’s Security Digest