#VU29536 Improper Authentication in Apache Spark - CVE-2020-9480

Vulnerability identifier: #VU29536

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: 5.5 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2020-9480

CWE-ID: CWE-287

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Apache Spark
Server applications / Frameworks for developing and running applications

Vendor: Apache Foundation

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to bypass authentication process.

The vulnerability exists due to an error in when processing authentication requests on Apache Spark master configured to require authentication (spark.authenticate) via a shared secret. A remote non-autenticated attacker can send a specially crafted RPC request without the shared key, bypass authentication process and start application resources on a Spark cluster.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Apache Spark: 2.4.0 - 2.4.5

---

External links
https://spark.apache.org/security.html#CVE-2020-9480

---

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker 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.