CVE-2024-24772 in Superset
Summary
by MITRE • 02/28/2024
A guest user could exploit a chart data REST API and send arbitrary SQL statements that on error could leak information from the underlying analytics database.This issue affects Apache Superset: before 3.0.4, from 3.1.0 before 3.1.1.
Users are recommended to upgrade to version 3.1.1 or 3.0.4, which fixes the issue.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24772 represents a critical security flaw in Apache Superset that allows unauthenticated guest users to execute arbitrary SQL commands through the chart data REST API. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's data retrieval mechanisms, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate API endpoints to gain unauthorized access to underlying database systems. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 3.0.4 and versions 3.1.0 through 3.1.0, highlighting the importance of proper version management and timely security updates in enterprise analytics platforms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the chart data REST API endpoint which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before constructing SQL queries. When guest users submit crafted requests containing malicious SQL statements, the application processes these inputs without adequate protection mechanisms, leading to potential SQL injection attacks. The error handling mechanism in place inadvertently exposes database information through error messages, providing attackers with valuable reconnaissance data about the underlying database structure, schema, and potentially sensitive information. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage, as it creates a pathway for more sophisticated attacks including unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and potential system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from analytics databases, potentially including user credentials, business data, and system configurations. The fact that this affects guest users means that even unauthenticated access can lead to significant security breaches, undermining the fundamental security model of the application. Organizations using Apache Superset in production environments face heightened risk of data exposure and regulatory compliance violations, particularly in industries with strict data protection requirements such as healthcare, finance, and government sectors.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to the patched versions 3.1.1 or 3.0.4, which implement proper input validation, parameterized queries, and improved error handling mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-level controls including firewall rules to restrict access to the chart data REST API endpoints, particularly for unauthenticated users. Additional defensive measures include implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring of API access patterns to detect anomalous behavior, establishing proper database user permissions with least privilege principles, and conducting regular security assessments of the analytics platform. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating access controls to ensure that guest users have appropriate restrictions on database access. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 which covers data from information repositories, emphasizing the need for robust database security controls in analytics platforms.