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CVE-2019-17572: In Apache RocketMQ 4.2.0 to 4.6.0, when the automatic topic creation in the broker is turned on by default,...

In Apache RocketMQ 4.2.0 to 4.6.0, when the automatic topic creation in the broker is turned on by default, an evil topic like “../../../../topic2020” is sent from rocketmq-client to the broker, a topic folder will be created in the parent directory in brokers, which leads to a directory traversal vulnerability. Users of the affected versions should apply one of the following: Upgrade to Apache RocketMQ 4.6.1 or later.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

Apache RocketMQ versions 4.2.0 through 4.6.0 can create topic folders outside the intended broker directory when automatic topic creation is enabled. This is a directory traversal issue. The provided sources name an upgrade path to 4.6.1 or later but do not provide CVSS scoring or evidence of active exploitation.

Executive priority

Prioritize remediation for internet-exposed or multi-tenant RocketMQ brokers first. The business risk is configuration-dependent, but the fix is clear: move affected brokers to 4.6.1 or later.

Technical view

When a RocketMQ client sends a specially formed topic name and broker automatic topic creation is enabled, affected brokers may create a topic folder in a parent directory. The affected range is Apache RocketMQ 4.2.0 to 4.6.0. The stated remediation is upgrading to Apache RocketMQ 4.6.1 or later.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely where Apache RocketMQ brokers run versions 4.2.0 through 4.6.0 with automatic topic creation enabled. Risk depends on whether untrusted or weakly governed clients can submit topic names to brokers.

Exploitation context

The source bundle describes the vulnerable condition but does not cite public exploitation, weaponized tooling, or CISA KEV listing. Treat exploitation status as unconfirmed from the provided evidence.

Researcher notes

The provided record does not include CVSS, CWE, authentication requirements, or full impact beyond unintended parent-directory folder creation. Avoid assuming code execution, file overwrite, or confirmed compromise without additional vendor or incident evidence.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade Apache RocketMQ to 4.6.1 or later.
  • Inventory RocketMQ broker versions across production and non-production environments.
  • Review broker automatic topic creation exposure against vendor guidance.
  • Limit broker access to trusted clients according to existing network policy.
  • Monitor vendor advisories for any additional hardening guidance.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm no brokers run Apache RocketMQ 4.2.0 through 4.6.0.
  • Verify upgraded brokers report version 4.6.1 or later.
  • Check whether automatic topic creation is enabled on broker configurations.
  • Review topic directories for unexpected parent-directory folder creation.
  • Confirm client access controls match intended trusted-client boundaries.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
4

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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File access behavior lookup

The CVE wording references file access or upload behavior, so file telemetry and web shell review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2019-17572 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/aApache RocketMQApache RocketMQ 4.2.0 to 4.6.0Listed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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