In Apache Solr, the DataImportHandler, an optional but popular module to pull in data from databases and other sources, has a feature in which the whole DIH configuration can come from a request's "dataConfig" parameter. The debug mode of the DIH admin screen uses this to allow convenient debugging / development of a DIH config. Since a DIH config can contain scripts, this parameter is a security risk. Starting with version 8.2.0 of Solr, use of this parameter requires setting the Java System property "enable.dih.dataConfigParam" to true.
This vulnerability allows for high-severity code injection due to improper handling of the dataConfig parameter. The CVSS score of 7.2 indicates a high risk, making it critical for organizations using affected versions of Solr to prioritize remediation.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and data manipulation, which can lead to severe operational impacts. With this vulnerability marked as actively exploited, immediate action is essential to safeguard systems.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The urgency is high given the potential for exploitation and the critical nature of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-94, which pertains to code injection issues. The affected product is Apache Solr, specifically versions prior to 8.2.0 and certain versions of Debian Linux. The vulnerability was first published on August 1, 2019.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the DataImportHandler's ability to process dataConfig parameters from requests. Attackers may leverage this to inject arbitrary code into the Solr environment. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity is low, requiring high privileges with no user interaction necessary. The impact includes high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risks include potential unauthorized access to sensitive data and operational disruptions. The blast radius could affect multiple systems if exploited, leading to extensive data breaches. Organizations should assess the urgency based on the CVSS score and the fact that this vulnerability is in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, highlighting its critical nature.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects Apache Solr versions prior to 8.2.0 and versions of Debian Linux, specifically 8.0 and 9.0.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply available updates per vendor instructions. For those unable to apply patches immediately, it is advised to set the Java System property "enable.dih.dataConfigParam" to true in Solr 8.2.0 or later. Additional security measures include configuration hardening and monitoring for anomalous behavior in the Solr environment. Organizations can benefit from penetration testing to validate fixes and assess the security posture of their systems.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unusual requests to the DataImportHandler and identifying behavioral anomalies can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Network signatures corresponding to the attack patterns should be established for proactive defense.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability is underscored by the high EPSS score, indicating a strong likelihood of exploitation in the wild. This trend reflects the increasing sophistication of attacks targeting configuration-based vulnerabilities. Security teams should take this as a reminder of the importance of regular security assessments and maintaining an updated vulnerability management program. For more insights into managing vulnerabilities, organizations can refer to vulnerability management program design, and consider enhancing their security posture through penetration testing methodology guides to ensure robust defenses against such vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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