CVE-2017-12622 in Geode
Summary
by MITRE
When an Apache Geode cluster before v1.3.0 is operating in secure mode and an authenticated user connects to a Geode cluster using the gfsh tool with HTTP, the user is able to obtain status information and control cluster members even without CLUSTER:MANAGE privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12622 represents a critical authorization bypass flaw in Apache Geode clusters operating in secure mode. This issue affects versions prior to 1.3.0 and specifically impacts the gfsh administrative tool when used over HTTP connections. The vulnerability stems from improper privilege validation mechanisms that fail to correctly enforce access controls for cluster management operations, creating a significant security gap in the distributed data management system.
The technical flaw manifests when authenticated users establish connections to Apache Geode clusters through the gfsh tool using HTTP protocols. Despite proper authentication, the system fails to adequately verify whether the authenticated user possesses the necessary privileges to perform cluster management operations. This misconfiguration allows users with basic authentication credentials to access and manipulate cluster status information and execute control commands that should be restricted to users with explicit CLUSTER:MANAGE privileges. The vulnerability exists because the HTTP-based gfsh interface does not properly enforce the privilege boundaries that are typically maintained in other connection methods or protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges within the cluster environment. An attacker who can authenticate to the system can potentially obtain sensitive cluster status information, monitor system performance metrics, and execute administrative commands that could disrupt service availability or compromise data integrity. This unauthorized access capability undermines the fundamental security model of the Apache Geode system, where privilege separation is essential for maintaining cluster integrity and preventing malicious actors from gaining control over distributed data operations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1485 for data destruction, as the compromised system could enable both unauthorized access and potential data manipulation. Organizations using Apache Geode in production environments face significant risk exposure, particularly in scenarios where the cluster manages sensitive data or serves as a critical component in enterprise data architectures. The HTTP-based gfsh connections create an attack vector that could be exploited in environments where network traffic is not properly secured or monitored.
The recommended mitigations include immediate upgrade to Apache Geode version 1.3.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this authorization bypass. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to cluster management interfaces, enforce the use of secure HTTPS connections for gfsh operations instead of HTTP, and implement additional monitoring for unauthorized administrative activities. Security teams should also review and strengthen their privilege management policies, ensuring that administrative access is strictly limited to authorized personnel and that all cluster management operations are properly audited and logged for security analysis.