CVE-2017-15712 in Oozie
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability allows a user of Apache Oozie 3.1.3-incubating to 4.3.0 and 5.0.0-beta1 to expose private files on the Oozie server process. The malicious user can construct a workflow XML file containing XML directives and configuration that reference sensitive files on the Oozie server host.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15712 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Apache Oozie workflow management system. This vulnerability affects versions ranging from 3.1.3-incubating through 4.3.0 and 5.0.0-beta1, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on Oozie for distributed workflow automation. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and file access controls within the XML processing mechanisms of the Oozie server, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's handling of workflow definitions and configuration parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages XML external entity (XXE) processing weaknesses combined with improper file path validation. When a malicious user constructs a specially crafted workflow XML file, the system fails to properly sanitize references to sensitive files on the server host. This allows attackers to construct XML directives that can traverse the file system and access private configuration files, credential stores, and other sensitive data residing on the Oozie server. The vulnerability specifically targets the workflow XML parsing functionality where configuration parameters are processed without adequate security controls to prevent unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15712 extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling attackers to gain access to critical system credentials, database connection strings, and other sensitive configuration data that could facilitate further attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a significant risk to organizations using Oozie for big data processing workflows. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access other system resources, or establish persistence within the affected environment. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since the vulnerability exists within the workflow submission process itself, making it particularly dangerous for production environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Apache Oozie where available, implementing strict XML validation controls, and configuring proper file access restrictions on the Oozie server. Security measures should include disabling external entity processing in XML parsers, implementing robust input validation for workflow definitions, and establishing network segmentation to limit access to Oozie server components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper XML processing security controls and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls beyond simple patch management. Organizations should also conduct thorough audits of their workflow configurations and implement monitoring for suspicious workflow submission patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.