CVE-2024-31411: Apache StreamPipes RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-31411 Overview

CVE-2024-31411 is an unrestricted file upload vulnerability in Apache StreamPipes affecting all versions through 0.93.0. The flaw allows authenticated and authorized users to upload files with dangerous types, including executable content that can lead to remote code execution (RCE). The issue is classified under CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type.

Apache has released version 0.95.0 to remediate the vulnerability. Because the attack requires valid credentials, exploitation is scoped to insider threats or attackers who have already obtained account access through other means such as phishing or credential reuse.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can upload executable files to Apache StreamPipes instances and achieve remote code execution, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host system.

Affected Products

Apache StreamPipes versions up to and including 0.93.0
All deployments exposing the StreamPipes web interface to authenticated users
Environments where user accounts have file upload privileges within StreamPipes

Discovery Timeline

2024-07-17 - CVE-2024-31411 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-31411

Vulnerability Analysis

Apache StreamPipes is an open-source self-service data analytics toolbox used to build, execute, and manage streaming data pipelines. The platform exposes file upload functionality to authenticated users for pipeline assets and adapter configuration.

The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file types accepted by the upload handler. StreamPipes does not adequately restrict the content or extension of uploaded files, allowing an attacker to submit executable payloads. Once uploaded, these files can be triggered on the server, resulting in code execution in the context of the StreamPipes process.

The attack requires network access and low-privilege authenticated credentials. No user interaction is needed once an authenticated session is established. The scope is unchanged, but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high because RCE grants full command execution on the underlying host.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or incomplete server-side validation of uploaded file metadata and content. The upload endpoint does not enforce a strict allow-list of file extensions, MIME types, or magic bytes. Without these controls, dangerous file types such as scripts, JAR files, or web shells can be persisted to a location where the application or a downstream process will execute them.

Attack Vector

An attacker with valid StreamPipes credentials authenticates to the web console and submits a crafted file through an upload interface. The file contains executable code that is either directly invoked by the application or written to a path the runtime will process. Successful exploitation delivers RCE with the privileges of the StreamPipes service account, enabling lateral movement, data theft, or persistence.

See the Apache Mailing List Thread and the Openwall OSS Security Update for the vendor advisory details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-31411

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected files with executable extensions (.jsp, .jar, .sh, .py, .war) written to StreamPipes upload directories
New or unknown processes spawned as children of the StreamPipes Java process
Outbound network connections from the StreamPipes host to unfamiliar destinations following an upload event
Authenticated StreamPipes API calls to file upload endpoints from unusual source IP addresses or at atypical times

Detection Strategies

Inspect StreamPipes application logs for upload events and correlate them against expected user activity and file types
Monitor the filesystem paths used by StreamPipes for creation of files with executable content or non-standard extensions
Alert on process creation where the StreamPipes JVM spawns shells, interpreters, or system utilities such as bash, sh, python, or cmd

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable audit logging on all authentication and file upload endpoints in Apache StreamPipes
Forward web server, application, and host telemetry to a centralized SIEM for correlation
Track behavior of StreamPipes service accounts for privilege escalation attempts or credential harvesting activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-31411

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade all Apache StreamPipes deployments to version 0.95.0 or later without delay
Audit existing user accounts and remove or restrict privileges for accounts that do not require upload capability
Review StreamPipes upload directories for files added since the deployment date and validate their legitimacy
Rotate credentials for accounts that may have been used to interact with vulnerable instances

Patch Information

Apache StreamPipes 0.95.0 fixes CVE-2024-31411 by tightening file upload validation. Users are recommended to upgrade to this version. Refer to the Apache Mailing List Thread for release information and download instructions.

Workarounds

Restrict network access to the StreamPipes web interface using firewall rules, allowing only trusted management networks
Enforce strong authentication and multi-factor authentication for all StreamPipes users to limit credential compromise
Run the StreamPipes service under a dedicated low-privilege account and apply strict filesystem permissions on upload directories
Deploy a reverse proxy or web application firewall in front of StreamPipes to inspect and block requests carrying dangerous file types

bash

# Configuration example: restrict access to StreamPipes management interface at the network layer
# Replace 10.0.0.0/24 with your trusted admin subnet
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8082 -s 10.0.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8082 -j DROP