CVE-2022-33140 in NiFi
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
The optional ShellUserGroupProvider in Apache NiFi 1.10.0 to 1.16.2 and Apache NiFi Registry 0.6.0 to 1.16.2 does not neutralize arguments for group resolution commands, allowing injection of operating system commands on Linux and macOS platforms. The ShellUserGroupProvider is not included in the default configuration. Command injection requires ShellUserGroupProvider to be one of the enabled User Group Providers in the Authorizers configuration. Command injection also requires an authenticated user with elevated privileges. Apache NiFi requires an authenticated user with authorization to modify access policies in order to execute the command. Apache NiFi Registry requires an authenticated user with authorization to read user groups in order to execute the command. The resolution removes command formatting based on user-provided arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-33140 represents a critical command injection flaw within Apache NiFi and Apache NiFi Registry implementations. This security weakness resides in the optional ShellUserGroupProvider component that serves as a user and group management interface within these data processing platforms. The vulnerability specifically affects versions ranging from Apache NiFi 1.10.0 through 1.16.2 and Apache NiFi Registry 0.6.0 through 1.16.2, creating a persistent risk across multiple release streams. The flaw manifests when the ShellUserGroupProvider processes user-provided arguments for group resolution commands without proper sanitization or neutralization, allowing malicious input to be interpreted as operating system commands rather than simple data parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and command construction practices within the ShellUserGroupProvider module. When the system processes user group resolution requests, it directly incorporates user-supplied arguments into shell command executions without adequate parameter escaping or command formatting. This primitive approach to command construction creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject arbitrary operating system commands, particularly affecting Linux and macOS environments where shell command execution is prevalent. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a classic command injection vector that has been consistently exploited in various security contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability requires specific preconditions for exploitation, making it less likely to be exploited in casual attacks but still highly dangerous when targeted. An attacker must first have authenticated access to the system with elevated privileges, specifically requiring authorization to modify access policies in Apache NiFi or read user groups in Apache NiFi Registry. This authentication requirement provides a natural access control barrier that limits the vulnerability's exploitation surface. However, once these privileges are obtained, the command injection can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the NiFi process, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within network environments where these systems operate. The attack vector specifically targets the authorizers configuration where ShellUserGroupProvider must be explicitly enabled, making this a configuration-dependent vulnerability that requires specific system setup to exploit.
The remediation for CVE-2022-33140 involves implementing proper input neutralization and command formatting practices within the ShellUserGroupProvider component. The resolution addresses the root cause by ensuring that user-provided arguments are properly escaped or sanitized before being incorporated into shell commands, preventing the interpretation of malicious input as executable commands. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Apache NiFi and Apache NiFi Registry to mitigate this vulnerability. Security teams should also review their current configurations to ensure that ShellUserGroupProvider is disabled unless absolutely required, as this component is not part of default installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in authentication and authorization components, particularly when dealing with external input that may be processed through system commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should implement principle of least privilege controls and monitor for unauthorized access to user management interfaces, as the vulnerability requires elevated privileges to exploit effectively.