Datastax Enterprise with IBM update for Apache Cassandra

1) Security features bypass

EUVDB-ID: #VU60551

Risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 6.6 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:H/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-44521

CWE-ID: CWE-254 - Security Features

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote user to execute arbitrary code on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to insecure configuration that allows arbitrary code execution if the following settings are applied:

enable_user_defined_functions: true
enable_scripted_user_defined_functions: true
enable_user_defined_functions_threads: false

Note, such configuration is considered insecure and as not default.

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Datastax Enterprise with IBM: 5.1.0 - 6.8.19

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:ibm_corporation:datastax_enterprise_with_ibm:5.1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:ibm_corporation:datastax_enterprise_with_ibm:5.1.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:ibm_corporation:datastax_enterprise_with_ibm:5.1.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://www.ibm.com/blogs/psirt/security-bulletin-datastax-enterprise-with-ibm-is-vulnerable-to-exploiting-apache-cassandra-user-defined-functions-for-remote-code-execution/
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6559060

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote authenticated privileged user via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.