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CVE-2023-27524: High Vulnerability in Apache Superset

CVE-2023-27524 affects Apache Superset versions up to 2.0.1, allowing unauthorized access due to insecure default configurations. Organizations must change the default SECRET_KEY to mitigate potential risks.

HIGHKnown ExploitedCVSS 8.9 · Published April 24, 2023

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CVE-2023-27524 is a high-severity vulnerability impacting Apache Superset versions up to and including 2.0.1. This vulnerability allows for session validation attacks when installations have not altered the default configured SECRET_KEY, as specified in the installation instructions. Attackers can exploit this flaw to authenticate and gain access to unauthorized resources. Importantly, this vulnerability does not affect Superset administrators who have changed the default value for the SECRET_KEY configuration.

Organizations using Superset should ensure that all installations have a unique, secure random SECRET_KEY. The SECRET_KEY is crucial for securely signing session cookies and encrypting sensitive data in the database. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to set a strong SECRET_KEY in the `superset_config.py` file, as shown below: SECRET_KEY = <YOUR_OWN_RANDOM_GENERATED_SECRET_KEY> Alternatively, this can be configured using the `SUPERSET_SECRET_KEY` environment variable.

Given the potential for unauthorized access, organizations must prioritize remediation efforts to protect sensitive data and maintain system integrity. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 8.9, indicating a high level of risk. Immediate action is necessary to ensure proper configuration and safeguard against exploitation.

As of now, this vulnerability is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which signifies its critical nature. Organizations are urged to apply the recommended mitigations promptly or consider discontinuing the use of affected products if they cannot implement the necessary changes.

In summary, organizations utilizing Apache Superset should take immediate steps to address CVE-2023-27524 by updating their SECRET_KEY configurations. Failure to do so may expose them to significant security risks.

Vulnerability Details

CVE-2023-27524 is described as a session validation vulnerability in Apache Superset, specifically affecting versions up to 2.0.1. The vulnerability arises from the insecure initialization of a resource, allowing attackers to authenticate and access unauthorized resources if the default SECRET_KEY is not changed. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.9, categorizing it as high severity. The vulnerability was published on April 24, 2023, and is associated with CWE-1188.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2023-27524 is the use of a default SECRET_KEY configuration, which is not sufficiently randomized or unique. This allows attackers to exploit session validation mechanisms without needing prior access or credentials. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker can target systems remotely. The attack complexity is rated as high due to the requirement of a specific configuration default, and no privileges are required for exploitation.

User interaction is not required for the attack to succeed, which enhances the risk associated with this vulnerability. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is rated as high, indicating that sensitive data may be exposed or altered, while availability impact is rated as low.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data, which may lead to data breaches or compliance violations. The blast radius potential is significant, especially for organizations that rely on Apache Superset for data visualization and analytics. Given the CVSS score of 8.9, this vulnerability poses a serious risk that organizations should address immediately. The urgency for remediation is critical, as the vulnerability has been confirmed to be included in the KEV catalog, emphasizing its active exploitation in the wild.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

Yes

Public PoC

Yes

Actively Exploited

Yes

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The affected versions of Apache Superset include all versions up to and including 2.0.1. Organizations should confirm their deployed versions against this to ensure they are not vulnerable.

Mitigation & Remediation

CVE-2023-27524 highlights a critical need for organizations to prioritize secure configurations. This vulnerability underscores the significance of proper security hygiene in application deployments. Security teams should learn from this incident to enhance their security posture against similar vulnerabilities. For further reading on improving security practices, consider reviewing penetration testing methodologies and implementing a robust vulnerability management program to proactively detect and mitigate threats.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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