CVE-2024-26579 Overview
CVE-2024-26579 is an insecure deserialization vulnerability affecting Apache InLong, a one-stop integration framework designed for massive data. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass security controls using malicious parameters, potentially leading to remote code execution on affected systems. This flaw is classified as CWE-502 (Deserialization of Untrusted Data), a vulnerability class that enables attackers to manipulate serialized objects to achieve arbitrary code execution.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can exploit this deserialization flaw to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable Apache InLong installations, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Affected Products
- Apache InLong versions 1.7.0 through 1.11.0
- Apache InLong installations using default configurations within the affected version range
Discovery Timeline
- May 8, 2024 - CVE-2024-26579 published to NVD
- March 28, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-26579
Vulnerability Analysis
This deserialization vulnerability in Apache InLong allows attackers to submit maliciously crafted serialized objects that bypass input validation mechanisms. When the application deserializes these untrusted objects, it can trigger arbitrary code execution within the context of the InLong application. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly validate and sanitize serialized data before processing, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute upon deserialization.
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. A successful exploit grants attackers high-level access to system confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making this a severe security issue requiring immediate attention.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2024-26579 lies in Apache InLong's insufficient validation of serialized input data. The application deserializes user-controlled data without adequately verifying its integrity or restricting the types of objects that can be instantiated. This allows attackers to craft malicious serialized payloads containing dangerous object types (gadget chains) that execute arbitrary operations when the object graph is reconstructed during deserialization.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by:
- Identifying an Apache InLong endpoint that accepts serialized data
- Crafting a malicious serialized payload using known gadget chains present in the application's classpath
- Submitting the payload to the vulnerable endpoint with malicious parameters designed to bypass security controls
- Achieving remote code execution when the application deserializes the malicious object
The vulnerability description indicates that attackers can "bypass using malicious parameters," suggesting that existing security controls can be circumvented through specially crafted input.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-26579
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual network traffic patterns to Apache InLong API endpoints containing serialized Java objects
- Unexpected process spawning or outbound connections originating from the InLong application
- Anomalous error logs indicating deserialization failures or class loading exceptions
- Evidence of reconnaissance activity targeting InLong endpoints
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Apache InLong application logs for deserialization errors or exceptions involving unexpected class types
- Implement network intrusion detection rules to identify serialized Java objects in HTTP traffic to InLong endpoints
- Deploy runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions to detect and block deserialization attacks
- Utilize SentinelOne's behavioral AI to identify post-exploitation activities following successful deserialization attacks
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for Apache InLong components to capture detailed request and error information
- Configure alerting on any new child processes spawned by the InLong application
- Monitor for unusual file system activity or network connections from the InLong service account
- Review access logs for unusual parameter patterns or encoded payloads targeting InLong endpoints
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-26579
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Apache InLong to version 1.12.0 or later immediately
- If immediate upgrade is not possible, apply the cherry-pick patches from Pull Request #9694 and Pull Request #9707
- Restrict network access to Apache InLong management interfaces to trusted networks only
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to filter potentially malicious serialized payloads
Patch Information
Apache has addressed this vulnerability in Apache InLong version 1.12.0. Users should upgrade to this version to remediate the issue. For organizations that cannot immediately upgrade, Apache has provided two specific patches that can be cherry-picked:
Additional information is available through the GitHub Security Advisory and the Apache Mailing List Thread.
Workarounds
- Implement network segmentation to isolate Apache InLong instances from untrusted networks
- Deploy a reverse proxy or WAF to filter and sanitize incoming requests before they reach InLong
- Consider using Java agent-based deserialization filters (JEP 290) to restrict which classes can be deserialized
- Monitor and restrict outbound network connections from the InLong application server to limit post-exploitation capabilities
# Example: Restrict network access to Apache InLong using iptables
# Allow access only from trusted management network
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8083 -s 10.0.0.0/8 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8083 -j DROP
# Enable Java deserialization filters (Java 9+)
# Add to JVM startup options
export JAVA_OPTS="$JAVA_OPTS -Djdk.serialFilter=!*"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
