CVE-2022-45462 is a critical command injection vulnerability affecting Apache DolphinScheduler. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server when specific commands are configured. The issue is restricted to logged-in users, which adds a layer of complexity to its exploitation. With a CVSS score of 9.8, organizations should recognize the severity of this vulnerability and act quickly to secure their systems.
The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data, which can lead to major operational disruptions. Given the nature of the vulnerability and its high severity rating, it is critical for organizations to prioritize patching immediately to version 2.0.6 or higher as a mitigating measure.
Currently, no public exploits are confirmed, and it is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the potential for exploitation remains high, and organizations should remain vigilant.
In summary, the combination of the critical nature of this vulnerability and the potential risks associated with it necessitates immediate action from all organizations using Apache DolphinScheduler.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability states: "Alarm instance management has command injection when there is a specific command configured. It is only for logged-in users. We recommend you upgrade to version 2.0.6 or higher." This vulnerability falls under the category of command injection, classified as CWE-77.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating that it is critical. This score reflects a low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction necessary, making it particularly dangerous. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as high.
The affected product is Apache DolphinScheduler, specifically all versions prior to 2.0.6. The vulnerability was published on November 23, 2022.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2022-45462 lies in how command instances are managed within the application. Specifically, the flaw allows attackers to inject commands due to improper validation of user input. This vulnerability can be exploited over the network, allowing a remote attacker to execute commands without needing to authenticate as a privileged user.
The attack complexity is low, as no special conditions are required for successful exploitation. Attackers do not need any privileges or user interaction, which significantly raises the risk factor. Additionally, the impact of successful exploitation is severe, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability can be substantial. Organizations deploying Apache DolphinScheduler may find themselves at risk of unauthorized command execution, leading to data breaches or service disruptions. The potential blast radius is considerable, as the vulnerability affects all users who are logged in and have access to the command management feature.
Given the CVSS score of 9.8, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The urgency is underscored by the high percentile ranking of the EPSS score of approximately 95.7, indicating a significant likelihood of exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of Apache DolphinScheduler are all versions prior to 2.0.6. Organizations running older versions should upgrade to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Apache DolphinScheduler version 2.0.6 or higher to address this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing network controls to limit access to the application and monitoring user activity for suspicious behavior. Additionally, configuration hardening should be reviewed to minimize exposure.
For organizations looking to validate their security posture, engaging in penetration testing can provide insights into other potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual command executions or errors related to command processing. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected user activity, should also be flagged. Network signatures may help identify malicious traffic directed towards the vulnerable components.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for continuous assessment of application security. The trend towards command injection vulnerabilities underscores the necessity for robust input validation mechanisms in application design. Security teams should consider adopting a proactive approach to vulnerability management, ensuring that deployment of new features incorporates rigorous security testing.
For further insights on securing applications, organizations may benefit from exploring our vulnerability management program and the latest best practices in penetration testing methodology to enhance their security posture.
Finally, understanding the implications of vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-45462 reinforces the need for a culture of security within organizations, where ongoing training and awareness is prioritized.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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