CVE-2024-43202: Apache DolphinScheduler RCE Vulnerability

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

bash

# 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