CVE-2024-43202 Overview
CVE-2024-43202 is a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting Apache DolphinScheduler, a popular distributed and extensible workflow scheduling platform. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The vulnerability stems from improper code injection controls (CWE-94) in DolphinScheduler versions prior to 3.2.2. Organizations using this workflow scheduling platform for data pipeline orchestration and task management are at significant risk and should prioritize immediate patching.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can remotely execute arbitrary code on vulnerable Apache DolphinScheduler instances, potentially compromising entire data processing infrastructure and gaining full system control.
Affected Products
- Apache DolphinScheduler versions prior to 3.2.2
- All installations running unpatched DolphinScheduler instances
- Organizations using DolphinScheduler for workflow orchestration and data pipeline management
Discovery Timeline
- August 20, 2024 - CVE-2024-43202 published to NVD
- March 18, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-43202
Vulnerability Analysis
This Remote Code Execution vulnerability in Apache DolphinScheduler enables attackers to inject and execute malicious code remotely without requiring authentication. The flaw is classified under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code, also known as Code Injection), indicating that the application fails to properly sanitize or validate user-controlled input before using it in code generation or execution contexts.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning given that DolphinScheduler is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for orchestrating complex data workflows, ETL processes, and scheduled tasks. A successful exploit could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the DolphinScheduler service account, potentially accessing sensitive data processing pipelines, database credentials, and connected systems.
This vulnerability appears to be related to a previous security issue tracked as CVE-2023-49109, suggesting that earlier remediation efforts may have been incomplete or that similar attack vectors existed in the codebase.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper control of code generation (CWE-94), where user-supplied input is insufficiently validated before being processed in a manner that allows code injection. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when:
- User input is dynamically incorporated into executable code or scripts
- Input validation and sanitization mechanisms are inadequate or missing
- The application processes external data without proper escaping or encoding
In workflow scheduling platforms like DolphinScheduler, such vulnerabilities can arise in task definition processing, script execution handlers, or parameter interpolation mechanisms.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. Attackers can target exposed DolphinScheduler instances directly from the network, making internet-facing deployments particularly vulnerable.
The attack vector involves sending specially crafted requests to the vulnerable DolphinScheduler service. Due to the network-accessible nature of this vulnerability and the lack of authentication requirements, exposed instances can be discovered and exploited through automated scanning.
Technical details about the specific exploitation mechanism can be found in the Openwall OSS-Security Discussion and the Apache security mailing list threads.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-43202
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected process spawning from the DolphinScheduler service account
- Unusual outbound network connections from DolphinScheduler servers
- Anomalous task executions or workflow definitions not created by authorized users
- Evidence of command execution or shell access in DolphinScheduler logs
- Suspicious modifications to workflow definitions or task parameters
Detection Strategies
- Monitor DolphinScheduler application logs for unusual API requests or malformed input patterns
- Implement network intrusion detection rules to identify exploitation attempts targeting the DolphinScheduler service
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect post-exploitation activity such as unauthorized process creation
- Audit workflow definitions and task configurations for unexpected or malicious code injections
- Review access logs for authentication anomalies or requests from unexpected source IPs
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging for all DolphinScheduler API endpoints and task execution events
- Configure alerts for process creation events originating from the DolphinScheduler service
- Monitor for lateral movement attempts from systems running DolphinScheduler
- Implement file integrity monitoring on DolphinScheduler configuration and workflow definition files
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-43202
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Apache DolphinScheduler to version 3.2.2 or later immediately
- Restrict network access to DolphinScheduler instances using firewall rules and network segmentation
- Ensure DolphinScheduler is not directly exposed to the internet
- Review recent task executions and workflow definitions for signs of compromise
- Audit user accounts and access permissions within DolphinScheduler
Patch Information
Apache has released version 3.2.2 of DolphinScheduler which addresses this vulnerability. The fix is documented in GitHub Pull Request #15758. Organizations should upgrade to this version or later as the primary remediation measure.
Additional information about the security fix can be found in the Apache mailing list announcements:
Workarounds
- Implement strict network access controls to limit connectivity to DolphinScheduler instances
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) in front of DolphinScheduler to filter potentially malicious requests
- Place DolphinScheduler behind a VPN or other authenticated access gateway
- Run DolphinScheduler with minimal privileges using dedicated service accounts
- Consider temporarily disabling external network access to DolphinScheduler until patching is complete
# Example: Restrict DolphinScheduler access using iptables
# Allow access only from trusted internal networks
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 12345 -s 10.0.0.0/8 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 12345 -s 192.168.0.0/16 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 12345 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
