CVE-2017-15713 in Hadoop
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in Apache Hadoop 0.23.x, 2.x before 2.7.5, 2.8.x before 2.8.3, and 3.0.0-alpha through 3.0.0-beta1 allows a cluster user to expose private files owned by the user running the MapReduce job history server process. The malicious user can construct a configuration file containing XML directives that reference sensitive files on the MapReduce job history server host.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2023
This vulnerability exists within Apache Hadoop's MapReduce job history server component and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that affects multiple version ranges including 0.23.x through 2.7.4, 2.8.x through 2.8.2, and 3.0.0-alpha to 3.0.0-beta1. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the configuration file processing mechanism, allowing authenticated users to craft malicious XML configuration files that can reference and expose sensitive files on the host system. The flaw operates by leveraging XML External Entity (XXE) processing capabilities within the job history server's configuration parsing logic, which fails to properly restrict file access or validate external resource references. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, Information Exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, Data from Local System, as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The security impact is particularly severe because the MapReduce job history server typically runs with elevated privileges and may have access to sensitive user data, configuration files, and system information. Attackers can exploit this by creating a specially crafted configuration file that includes XML directives such as file:// or jar:// protocols that reference files on the server host, potentially exposing credentials, private keys, configuration settings, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments where multiple users share the same Hadoop cluster, as it allows one user to potentially access another user's private files. The flaw essentially allows for arbitrary file read operations through the job history server's XML configuration processing, creating a path for privilege escalation and data exfiltration. Organizations using affected Hadoop versions should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions, disabling unnecessary XML processing capabilities, implementing strict file access controls, and reviewing job history server configurations to prevent unauthorized file access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user with access to submit MapReduce jobs or configuration files to the cluster. The attack vector involves crafting a malicious configuration file that contains XML external entity references pointing to sensitive files on the host system. When the MapReduce job history server processes this configuration file, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the XML directives, allowing the system to resolve and read the referenced files. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and input validation, as the server should not be permitted to access arbitrary files on the host system based on user-supplied configuration data. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic XXE attack pattern where external entity references are not properly restricted, enabling attackers to perform unauthorized file access operations. Security controls such as XML schema validation, input sanitization, and access control enforcement are insufficiently implemented in the job history server's configuration processing pipeline. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable further attacks including credential theft, system reconnaissance, and privilege escalation. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, disabling unnecessary job history server features, and monitoring for suspicious configuration file submissions as part of their defense strategy. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper XML processing security measures in distributed computing environments where multiple users submit jobs and configurations to shared systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to versions 2.7.5, 2.8.3, or 3.0.0-beta2 where the issue has been addressed through enhanced input validation and XML processing restrictions. Organizations should also implement configuration hardening measures such as disabling XML external entity processing in the job history server, restricting file access permissions for the history server process, and implementing strict access controls for job configuration submissions. Network-level mitigations including firewall rules that restrict access to the job history server ports and implementing role-based access controls can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their Hadoop clusters, monitor for unusual configuration file submissions, and implement logging and alerting mechanisms for potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security policies related to job history server access and configuration management. Security teams should consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect the presence of vulnerable Hadoop versions and configuration settings. Proper security training for administrators and developers working with Hadoop environments is essential to prevent similar issues in future deployments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper XML processing security in distributed systems where multiple users interact with shared resources. Organizations should also consider implementing comprehensive security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with information disclosure attacks and provide real-time alerts for potential exploitation attempts.