CVE-2023-27524: Apache Superset Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2023-27524 Overview

CVE-2023-27524 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability affecting Apache Superset versions up to and including 2.0.1. This insecure default configuration vulnerability allows attackers to authenticate and access unauthorized resources on installations that have not changed the default SECRET_KEY from the installation defaults. The vulnerability stems from a hardcoded default secret key that is used to sign session cookies and encrypt sensitive information in the database.

Critical Impact

Attackers can forge valid session cookies using the known default SECRET_KEY, enabling complete authentication bypass and unauthorized access to sensitive data visualization dashboards and connected data sources. This vulnerability has been added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Affected Products

• Apache Superset versions up to and including 2.0.1
• Apache Superset installations using default SECRET_KEY configuration
• Any Superset deployment where the SECRET_KEY environment variable or config has not been customized

Discovery Timeline

• 2023-04-24 - CVE-2023-27524 published to NVD
• 2025-10-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-27524

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability represents a classic insecure default configuration flaw (CWE-1188) in Apache Superset's session management. The SECRET_KEY configuration parameter is fundamental to the security of Flask-based applications like Superset, as it is used to cryptographically sign session cookies and encrypt sensitive database information. When installations retain the default SECRET_KEY value that ships with the software, attackers who know this default value can forge arbitrary session cookies, effectively bypassing authentication entirely.

The impact of successful exploitation is severe: attackers gain complete access to the Superset instance with the same privileges as legitimate users, potentially including administrative access. Since Superset is a business intelligence platform that connects to various data sources, this could expose sensitive organizational data, database credentials, and allow manipulation of dashboards and reports.

Root Cause

The root cause is the use of a predictable, publicly-known default value for the SECRET_KEY configuration parameter. When administrators deploy Apache Superset without following the installation instructions to generate and configure a unique, cryptographically secure secret key, the application remains vulnerable. The default SECRET_KEY is documented and publicly available, making session cookie forgery trivial for attackers who can identify Superset installations using default configurations.

Attack Vector

Exploitation occurs over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction. An attacker identifies a target Apache Superset instance, then uses the known default SECRET_KEY to craft valid signed session cookies. By presenting these forged cookies to the application, the attacker can impersonate any user, including administrators.

The attack methodology involves:

1. Identifying an exposed Apache Superset instance
2. Using the known default SECRET_KEY to sign a session cookie containing arbitrary user claims
3. Submitting the forged cookie to the application
4. Gaining authenticated access to the dashboard and connected data sources

For detailed technical analysis of exploitation techniques, see the Packet Storm Authentication Bypass and Packet Storm Remote Code Execution advisories.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-27524

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected administrative sessions or user logins appearing in Superset audit logs
• Session cookies with suspicious creation timestamps or originating from unknown IP addresses
• Unauthorized changes to dashboards, charts, or data source configurations
• Unexpected database queries or data exports from connected data sources

Detection Strategies

• Audit your superset_config.py file or SUPERSET_SECRET_KEY environment variable to verify a unique, non-default secret key is configured
• Review Superset access logs for authentication events from unexpected source IP addresses
• Monitor for bulk data access patterns or queries that deviate from normal user behavior
• Implement network-level monitoring for connections to Superset from untrusted networks

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive audit logging for all authentication and authorization events in Superset
• Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious session manipulation attempts
• Configure alerts for new user creations, privilege escalations, or data source modifications
• Regularly review connected database query logs for anomalous access patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-27524

Immediate Actions Required

• Generate a cryptographically secure random SECRET_KEY and configure it immediately in your Superset deployment
• Rotate any existing sessions by restarting the Superset application after changing the SECRET_KEY
• Review audit logs for any unauthorized access that may have occurred while using the default configuration
• Assess all connected data sources for potential data exfiltration

Patch Information

Apache has addressed this vulnerability in versions after 2.0.1. Organizations should upgrade to the latest stable release of Apache Superset and ensure the SECRET_KEY is properly configured. Refer to the Apache Mailing List Thread for official guidance.

Additional security resources:

• CISA Known Exploited Vulnerability Entry
• Openwall OSS-Security Discussion

Workarounds

• Set a unique, cryptographically secure SECRET_KEY in your superset_config.py configuration file
• Alternatively, configure the secret key via the SUPERSET_SECRET_KEY environment variable
• Restrict network access to Superset instances using firewall rules or VPN requirements
• Implement additional authentication layers such as SSO or multi-factor authentication

# Generate a secure random SECRET_KEY
python -c "import secrets; print(secrets.token_urlsafe(42))"

# Add to superset_config.py:
# SECRET_KEY = '<YOUR_OWN_RANDOM_GENERATED_SECRET_KEY>'

# Or set as environment variable:
export SUPERSET_SECRET_KEY='<YOUR_OWN_RANDOM_GENERATED_SECRET_KEY>'