CVE-2020-1963 in Ignite
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Ignite uses H2 database to build SQL distributed execution engine. H2 provides SQL functions which could be used by attacker to access to a filesystem.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2020
Apache Ignite version 2.7.0 and earlier contains a critical vulnerability that stems from its integration with the H2 database engine for distributed SQL execution. The vulnerability arises from the H2 database's implementation of SQL functions that allow remote code execution through file system access capabilities. This flaw enables attackers to leverage SQL functions within the Ignite environment to read or write files on the underlying file system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through H2's built-in SQL functions such as FILE_READ and FILE_WRITE which are designed for database administrators to manage file operations. However, these functions can be invoked remotely through Ignite's SQL interface without proper authorization checks. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious SQL queries that utilize these functions to access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because Ignite typically runs with elevated privileges and may have access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and user information stored on the file system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe security risk for organizations using Apache Ignite in production environments. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include complete system compromise, as attackers can potentially read system configuration files, access database credentials, or even deploy malicious payloads through file system access. The vulnerability affects distributed computing environments where Ignite nodes communicate across networks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where multiple nodes may be exposed to network attacks.
The flaw aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-73, which covers external control of file name or path. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage legitimate SQL interfaces to execute arbitrary commands. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Apache Ignite version 2.7.1 or later where this vulnerability has been patched through enhanced authorization controls and proper validation of file system access requests.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of all affected systems, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to Ignite services, and enforcement of strict firewall rules that restrict SQL interface access to trusted networks only. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual SQL query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their Ignite deployments to identify any potential unauthorized access to the SQL interfaces and ensure that proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized file system operations through SQL functions.