CVE-2014-0228 in Hive
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Hive before 0.13.1, when in SQL standards based authorization mode, does not properly check the file permissions for (1) import and (2) export statements, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information via a crafted URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0228 affects Apache Hive versions prior to 0.13.1 when operating in SQL standards based authorization mode. This represents a significant security flaw that undermines the integrity of access controls within the data warehouse system. The issue specifically manifests in the improper handling of file permissions during import and export operations, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to bypass intended security measures.
The technical flaw resides in the authorization mechanism's failure to validate file permissions when processing import and export statements. When Hive operates in SQL standards based authorization mode, it should enforce strict permission checks on file operations to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. However, this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious URIs that can bypass these permission checks, enabling them to access files and data that should be restricted to authorized users only. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of authenticated users, meaning that an attacker must first establish credentials but does not require elevated privileges to exploit this flaw.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of Apache Hive deployments. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive data that may contain personal information, financial records, or proprietary business data. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Hive for data processing and storage, particularly those implementing SQL standards based authorization as their primary security mechanism. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor through which authenticated users can access files they should not be permitted to read, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance violations.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of Apache Hive should prioritize immediate remediation through patching to version 0.13.1 or later. The mitigation strategy should include implementing additional monitoring for import and export operations, reviewing existing access controls, and conducting thorough audits of file permissions within Hive environments. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in cybersecurity. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as attackers can use it to gain unauthorized access to restricted data while potentially avoiding detection through normal access control mechanisms. The security implications underscore the critical importance of proper authorization implementation in database systems and highlight the need for comprehensive security testing of access control mechanisms before deployment in production environments.