#VU60551 Security features bypass in Cassandra - CVE-2021-44521

Vulnerability identifier: #VU60551

Vulnerability 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

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Cassandra
Server applications / Database software

Vendor: Apache Foundation

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 updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Cassandra: 3.0.0 - 3.0.25, 3.1 - 3.11.11, 3.2 - 3.2.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0 - 4.0.1

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External links
https://lists.apache.org/thread/y4nb9s4co34j8hdfmrshyl09lokm7356
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/02/11/4

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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.