CVE-2023-49299 in DolphinScheduler
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2023
Improper Input Validation vulnerability in Apache DolphinScheduler. An authenticated user can cause arbitrary, unsandboxed javascript to be executed on the server.This issue affects Apache DolphinScheduler: until 3.1.9. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 3.1.9, which fixes the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2024
The CVE-2023-49299 vulnerability represents a critical improper input validation flaw within Apache DolphinScheduler, a distributed workflow orchestration platform widely used for automating complex data processing pipelines. This vulnerability specifically targets the platform's handling of user inputs within workflow definitions and task configurations, creating a path for authenticated attackers to inject malicious javascript code that executes with server privileges. The flaw exists in the validation mechanisms that process user-supplied data before it is rendered or executed within the DolphinScheduler environment, allowing attackers to bypass expected input sanitization procedures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user crafts malicious input within workflow parameters or task definitions that are subsequently processed by the server-side components. This improper validation allows javascript payloads to be executed directly on the DolphinScheduler server without proper sandboxing or execution restrictions, effectively granting the attacker code execution capabilities within the server environment. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and validation routines that fail to properly escape or filter user-provided content before it is interpreted by the server-side processing engine. This weakness aligns with CWE-20, which categorizes improper input validation as a fundamental security flaw that can lead to various code execution vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-49299 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the DolphinScheduler server with the privileges of the service account. This compromise can lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and the ability to manipulate or destroy workflow processes that are critical to data operations. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify workflow configurations to redirect data processing, or access sensitive information stored within the platform. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 3.1.9, making organizations running older versions particularly susceptible to exploitation. This issue directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for JavaScript and T1566 for credential access, as the vulnerability enables both code execution and potential privilege escalation.
Organizations utilizing Apache DolphinScheduler must prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to version 3.1.9 or later, which includes patched validation routines that properly sanitize user inputs before processing. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including network segmentation to limit access to DolphinScheduler components, regular monitoring of workflow execution logs for anomalous behavior, and principle of least privilege configurations for service accounts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation in web applications and workflow engines, particularly when dealing with user-generated content that may be executed within server contexts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their DolphinScheduler deployments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper access controls are in place to limit the scope of potential damage from such vulnerabilities.