CVE-2023-49299 Overview
CVE-2023-49299 is an Improper Input Validation vulnerability affecting Apache DolphinScheduler, a distributed and extensible workflow scheduler platform. An authenticated user can exploit this flaw to cause arbitrary, unsandboxed JavaScript to be executed on the server. This vulnerability allows attackers with valid credentials to bypass security controls and achieve server-side code execution, potentially compromising the entire scheduling infrastructure.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary unsandboxed JavaScript on the server, leading to potential full system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within connected systems.
Affected Products
- Apache DolphinScheduler versions prior to 3.1.9
- All installations running vulnerable DolphinScheduler instances with authenticated user access
- Workflow scheduling environments integrated with DolphinScheduler
Discovery Timeline
- December 30, 2023 - CVE-2023-49299 published to NVD
- February 23, 2024 - Public disclosure on OSS-Security mailing list
- February 13, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-49299
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within Apache DolphinScheduler's processing logic. The flaw allows authenticated users to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code on the server without proper sandboxing restrictions. When the application processes user-supplied input, it fails to adequately sanitize or restrict the execution context of JavaScript code, enabling direct server-side code execution.
The attack requires authenticated access, meaning an attacker must first obtain valid credentials to the DolphinScheduler platform. Once authenticated, the attacker can leverage the improper input validation to inject malicious JavaScript payloads that execute with the privileges of the DolphinScheduler service account, potentially granting access to sensitive workflow data, connected systems, and underlying server resources.
Root Cause
The root cause is classified as CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation). The application fails to properly validate, filter, or sanitize user-controllable input before processing it in a JavaScript execution context. The absence of sandboxing for JavaScript execution means that malicious code runs with full server-side privileges rather than being restricted to a safe execution environment.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-accessible and requires low privileges (authenticated user access) with no user interaction needed. An attacker with valid DolphinScheduler credentials can craft malicious input containing JavaScript code that, when processed by the vulnerable component, executes directly on the server. This server-side JavaScript execution bypasses intended security boundaries, allowing the attacker to:
- Access sensitive configuration data and workflow definitions
- Modify or delete scheduled tasks and workflows
- Execute arbitrary system commands through JavaScript engine capabilities
- Potentially pivot to other connected systems in the infrastructure
The vulnerability mechanism involves submitting crafted input through authenticated API endpoints or user interfaces that ultimately pass user-controlled data to an unsandboxed JavaScript interpreter. For detailed technical analysis, refer to the GitHub Pull Request that addresses this vulnerability.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-49299
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual JavaScript execution patterns in DolphinScheduler server logs
- Unexpected system commands or network connections originating from the DolphinScheduler service
- Anomalous authenticated user activity, particularly involving workflow or task modification
- Evidence of data exfiltration from the DolphinScheduler environment
Detection Strategies
- Monitor DolphinScheduler application logs for suspicious input patterns or error messages related to JavaScript execution
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block JavaScript injection attempts in API requests
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify unexpected child processes spawned by DolphinScheduler
- Enable comprehensive audit logging for all authenticated user actions within DolphinScheduler
Monitoring Recommendations
- Configure alerting for unusual API call patterns from authenticated users, particularly those involving task or workflow creation/modification
- Implement network monitoring to detect anomalous outbound connections from DolphinScheduler servers
- Establish baseline behavior for DolphinScheduler service accounts and alert on deviations
- Monitor file system changes in DolphinScheduler installation directories
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-49299
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Apache DolphinScheduler to version 3.1.9 or later immediately
- Audit all authenticated user accounts and remove unnecessary access
- Review recent activity logs for signs of exploitation
- Implement network segmentation to limit DolphinScheduler's access to sensitive resources
Patch Information
Apache has released version 3.1.9 of DolphinScheduler which addresses this vulnerability. Users are strongly recommended to upgrade to this version or later. The fix implements proper input validation and sandboxing for JavaScript execution contexts. For technical details on the fix, refer to the GitHub Pull Request #15228 and the Apache Mailing List Thread.
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to DolphinScheduler instances to trusted IP ranges only
- Implement strict authentication controls and consider multi-factor authentication for all DolphinScheduler users
- Review and minimize user privileges, following the principle of least privilege
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with rules to detect JavaScript injection patterns
# Verify DolphinScheduler version after upgrade
./bin/dolphinscheduler-daemon.sh status
# Restrict access to DolphinScheduler API endpoints using iptables
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 12345 -s trusted_network/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 12345 -j DROP
# Review authentication logs for suspicious activity
grep -i "login\|auth" /path/to/dolphinscheduler/logs/*.log | tail -100
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
