Eclipse Equinox OSGi RCE: Critical Vulnerability Allows Unauthenticated Code Execution
The National Vulnerability Database reports a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability, CVE-2023-54342, affecting Eclipse Equinox OSGi versions 3.8 through 3.18. This flaw resides in the OSGi console interface, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code with a CVSS score of 9.8 (Critical).
Attackers can exploit this by establishing a telnet connection to the OSGi console, performing a telnet handshake, and then leveraging the fork command functionality. This enables them to download and execute malicious Java code, ultimately establishing a reverse shell connection. The impact is severe, allowing full compromise of affected systems.
This isn’t a theoretical threat; it’s a direct path to system control. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means exposure is immediate and broad. For defenders, this demands urgent attention. The attacker’s calculus is simple: find an exposed OSGi console, and you own the box.
What This Means For You
- If your organization uses Eclipse Equinox OSGi, you need to immediately identify all instances running versions 3.8 through 3.18. Prioritize patching or implementing network access controls to restrict telnet access to the OSGi console. Assume any exposed console is already compromised and conduct a forensic audit.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
3 rules · 6 SIEM formats3 detection rules auto-generated for this incident, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK. Sigma YAML is free — export to any SIEM format via the Intel Bot.
CVE-2023-54342 Eclipse Equinox OSGi Unauthenticated RCE via Console
title: CVE-2023-54342 Eclipse Equinox OSGi Unauthenticated RCE via Console
id: scw-2026-05-05-ai-1
status: experimental
level: critical
description: |
Detects attempts to exploit CVE-2023-54342 by targeting the Eclipse Equinox OSGi console interface. This rule looks for POST requests to '/osgi' with a query parameter 'cmd=fork', which is indicative of an attempt to execute arbitrary commands by leveraging the vulnerable fork command functionality. This allows unauthenticated attackers to download and execute malicious Java code.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-05
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2023-54342/
tags:
- attack.initial_access
- attack.t1190
logsource:
category: webserver
detection:
selection:
cs-uri|contains:
- '/osgi'
cs-method|exact: "POST"
cs-uri-query|contains:
- 'cmd=fork'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2023-54342 | RCE | Eclipse Equinox OSGi versions 3.8 through 3.18 |
| CVE-2023-54342 | RCE | OSGi console interface |
| CVE-2023-54342 | RCE | Exploiting 'fork' command functionality via telnet |
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 05, 2026 at 15:16 UTC |
This content was AI-rewritten and enriched by Shimi's Cyber World based on the original source. All intellectual property rights remain with the original author.
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