CVE-2024-31863 Overview
Apache Zeppelin contains an authentication bypass by spoofing vulnerability that allows attackers to replace existing notes without proper authorization. The flaw affects Apache Zeppelin versions from 0.10.1 up to but not including 0.11.0. The issue is tracked under CWE-290: Authentication Bypass by Spoofing and stems from insufficient identity validation when handling note replacement operations. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness over the network without authentication or user interaction. Apache resolved the issue in version 0.11.0, and users are recommended to upgrade to the fixed release.
Critical Impact
A remote, unauthenticated attacker can replace existing notes in Apache Zeppelin, compromising the integrity of notebook content.
Affected Products
- Apache Zeppelin 0.10.1
- Apache Zeppelin versions from 0.10.1 before 0.11.0
- Fixed in Apache Zeppelin 0.11.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-04-09 - CVE-2024-31863 published to NVD
- 2024-04-09 - Disclosed on the OpenWall OSS Security list and Apache mailing list
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-31863
Vulnerability Analysis
Apache Zeppelin is a web-based notebook that enables interactive data analytics across multiple language backends. The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass authentication controls by spoofing identity during note replacement operations. Because the flaw is exploitable over the network with low attack complexity and without prior credentials, any exposed Zeppelin instance in the affected range is at risk. Successful exploitation impacts the integrity of stored notes, though confidentiality and availability are not directly affected according to the published CVSS vector.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper identity validation classified as CWE-290. Zeppelin's note-handling logic accepts replacement operations without adequately verifying that the requesting principal owns or is authorized to modify the target note. This gap in authorization enforcement allows the request to be processed as if it originated from a legitimate user.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network by sending crafted requests to a vulnerable Zeppelin instance. The attacker targets the note replacement functionality, substituting an existing note with content of their choosing. No authentication or user interaction is required, which broadens the attack surface for internet-exposed and internal deployments alike. Refer to the Apache mailing list thread for the vendor-published technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-31863
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected modifications or content changes in Zeppelin notes without corresponding user activity in audit logs.
- Note replacement requests originating from unauthenticated sessions or unfamiliar source IP addresses.
- Zeppelin server logs showing note write operations that do not correlate to authenticated user sessions.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory Zeppelin deployments and confirm running versions against the affected range (0.10.1 through versions before 0.11.0).
- Enable and review Zeppelin access logs and application audit logs for anomalous note modification requests.
- Correlate HTTP request logs at reverse proxies or load balancers with Zeppelin note update timestamps to identify unauthenticated writes.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on POST or PUT requests to Zeppelin note APIs originating from unauthenticated sessions.
- Monitor for spikes in note update activity outside normal business hours or from unusual geolocations.
- Track version banners and configuration changes on Zeppelin servers to detect unpatched instances reintroduced to the environment.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-31863
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Apache Zeppelin to version 0.11.0 or later, which contains the vendor-supplied fix.
- Restrict network access to Zeppelin instances so that only trusted users and networks can reach the web interface.
- Audit existing notes for unauthorized modifications and restore known-good versions from backups where necessary.
Patch Information
Apache released the fix in Apache Zeppelin 0.11.0. Details are available in the Apache announcement on the OSS Security list and the Apache Zeppelin mailing list thread. Users on any release from 0.10.1 up to but not including 0.11.0 should upgrade immediately.
Workarounds
- Place Zeppelin behind an authenticating reverse proxy that enforces access control before requests reach the application.
- Disable public exposure of Zeppelin and require VPN or zero-trust access to reach the notebook interface.
- Enforce Shiro-based authentication and authorization within Zeppelin and review notebook permission settings to limit blast radius until patching is complete.
# Configuration example: restrict Zeppelin exposure via firewall until patched
# Allow only trusted management subnet to reach Zeppelin (default port 8080)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -s 10.0.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
