CVE-2020-1932 in Superset
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure issue was found in Apache Superset 0.34.0, 0.34.1, 0.35.0, and 0.35.1. Authenticated Apache Superset users are able to retrieve other users' information, including hashed passwords, by accessing an unused and undocumented API endpoint on Apache Superset.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-1932 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Apache Superset versions 0.34.0 through 0.35.1. This issue arises from the presence of an unused and undocumented API endpoint that allows authenticated users to access sensitive information belonging to other users within the system. The flaw exists due to insufficient access controls and proper authorization checks within the application's API layer, creating a pathway for privilege escalation through information gathering. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the security triad by enabling unauthorized data exposure that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of API endpoint access controls within Apache Superset's authentication framework. When authenticated users access the undocumented endpoint, the system fails to properly validate whether the requesting user has legitimate authorization to view the target user's information. This misconfiguration allows for cross-user data leakage where one authenticated user can potentially retrieve another user's profile details including password hashes. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 for credential access through information gathering. The endpoint in question was not properly secured or removed from the application's attack surface, creating an exploitable vector that bypasses normal user permissions and session management controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-1932 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the Apache Superset environment. While the vulnerability exposes hashed passwords rather than plaintext credentials, this information can still be leveraged for password cracking attempts, especially if weak hashing algorithms or predictable password patterns are in use. Attackers could exploit this flaw to build comprehensive user profiles, identify high-privilege accounts, or conduct targeted social engineering campaigns. The exposure of password hashes also provides attackers with valuable intelligence for offline password cracking operations, potentially leading to account compromise and unauthorized system access. Organizations using affected Apache Superset versions face significant risk of credential theft, unauthorized access to business intelligence dashboards, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of several security controls and system hardening measures. Organizations should first patch their Apache Superset installations to versions that have addressed this issue, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases. System administrators must conduct thorough security audits to identify and remove any unused or undocumented API endpoints that could serve as attack vectors. Access controls should be strengthened through proper role-based access control implementation, ensuring that users can only access information relevant to their authorized scope. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of API endpoint access patterns to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced across all user accounts, and regular security assessments should be performed to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's architecture. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts targeting this and similar information disclosure vulnerabilities.