CVE-2018-8016 in Cassandra
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration in Apache Cassandra 3.8 through 3.11.1 binds an unauthenticated JMX/RMI interface to all network interfaces, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code via an RMI request. This issue is a regression of CVE-2015-0225. The regression was introduced in https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/CASSANDRA-12109. The fix for the regression is implemented in https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/CASSANDRA-14173. This fix is contained in the 3.11.2 release of Apache Cassandra.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2020
Apache Cassandra version 3.8 through 3.11.1 contains a critical security vulnerability that stems from its default configuration binding an unauthenticated JMX/RMI interface to all network interfaces. This flaw represents a significant regression of the previously addressed CVE-2015-0225 vulnerability, indicating that a previously mitigated security gap has reappeared in the software's configuration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Java code through RMI requests, effectively granting them full control over the affected Cassandra instances. The root cause of this regression was introduced through changes implemented in CASSANDRA-12109, which inadvertently restored the insecure default behavior that had been previously corrected. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the Java Management Extensions protocol to establish remote connections without proper authentication mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over database operations, data manipulation capabilities, and potential lateral movement within network environments where Cassandra is deployed. The security implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Cassandra serves as a critical data store, as the vulnerability could lead to data breaches, service disruption, and potential compromise of entire database clusters. Organizations using affected versions of Apache Cassandra are exposed to immediate risk since the vulnerability is enabled by default, requiring no special privileges or complex attack vectors to exploit. The fix for this regression was implemented in CASSANDRA-14173 and released as part of the Apache Cassandra 3.11.2 version, which properly addresses the insecure default configuration by ensuring that JMX/RMI interfaces are not bound to all network interfaces without proper authentication. This remediation aligns with security best practices for service hardening and demonstrates the importance of maintaining secure default configurations in database systems. Organizations should immediately upgrade to version 3.11.2 or later to mitigate this vulnerability, as the default behavior of the software creates an inherent risk that can be exploited by any remote attacker with network access to the Cassandra instance. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper service configuration management and the potential consequences of seemingly minor code changes that can introduce significant security regressions in widely deployed software components.