CVE-2024-45627: Apache Linkis Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2024-45627 Overview

CVE-2024-45627 is an arbitrary file read vulnerability in Apache Linkis versions prior to 1.7.0. The vulnerability exists in the DataSource Manager Module due to insufficient filtering of MySQL JDBC parameters. An authenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by configuring malicious MySQL JDBC parameters, allowing them to read arbitrary files from the Linkis server.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers can read arbitrary files from the Linkis server by injecting malicious MySQL JDBC parameters, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, credentials, and other confidential data.

Affected Products

• Apache Linkis versions prior to 1.7.0

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-01-14 - CVE-2024-45627 published to NVD
• 2025-05-13 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-45627

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-552 (Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties). The core issue stems from inadequate input validation in the DataSource Manager Module of Apache Linkis. When users configure MySQL JDBC connection parameters, the application fails to properly sanitize or blacklist dangerous parameters that can be leveraged for file system access.

MySQL JDBC drivers support various connection parameters that can be abused for malicious purposes. Without proper filtering, an attacker can inject parameters that instruct the JDBC driver to read local files from the server's file system. This type of attack is commonly known as a MySQL JDBC deserialization or arbitrary file read attack.

The attack requires the adversary to have an authorized account within the Linkis platform, meaning this is a post-authentication vulnerability. However, once authenticated, the attacker can leverage the DataSource Manager Module to create or modify data source configurations with malicious JDBC URL parameters.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-45627 is the absence of an effective blacklist or allowlist mechanism for MySQL JDBC URL parameters in the DataSource Manager Module. When processing JDBC connection strings, the application does not validate or sanitize potentially dangerous parameters, allowing attackers to include file-reading directives within the connection configuration.

Attack Vector

The attack is performed locally within the context of an authenticated session. An attacker with valid credentials to the Apache Linkis platform can navigate to the DataSource Manager Module and create or modify a MySQL data source connection. By crafting a malicious JDBC URL that includes parameters designed to read files from the server's file system, the attacker can exfiltrate sensitive data.

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting MySQL JDBC parameters such as allowLoadLocalInfile or allowUrlInLocalInfile combined with other connection properties that facilitate file access. When the data source connection is tested or used, the malicious parameters are processed by the JDBC driver, resulting in unauthorized file access.

For technical details on this vulnerability, refer to the Apache Mailing List Update and the Openwall OSS-Security Notice.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-45627

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual MySQL data source configurations containing suspicious JDBC parameters such as allowLoadLocalInfile, allowUrlInLocalInfile, or custom parameter strings
• Data source connection attempts that reference sensitive file paths like /etc/passwd, configuration files, or credential stores
• Abnormal audit log entries showing repeated data source modifications by the same user account

Detection Strategies

• Monitor DataSource Manager Module logs for JDBC URL patterns containing potentially dangerous parameters
• Implement application-level logging to capture all data source configuration changes and connection test requests
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical system files to detect unauthorized access attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive audit logging for all DataSource Manager operations within Apache Linkis
• Set up alerts for data source configurations that include non-standard or suspicious JDBC parameters
• Monitor network traffic for unusual MySQL connection patterns originating from the Linkis server

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-45627

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Apache Linkis to version 1.7.0 or later immediately
• Review existing MySQL data source configurations for any suspicious or non-standard JDBC parameters
• Audit user accounts with access to the DataSource Manager Module and revoke unnecessary permissions
• Implement network segmentation to limit the Linkis server's access to sensitive file systems

Patch Information

Apache has released version 1.7.0 of Linkis which addresses this vulnerability by implementing proper blacklisting of dangerous MySQL JDBC URL parameters. Organizations running affected versions should upgrade immediately. For detailed patch information, refer to the Apache Mailing List Update.

Workarounds

• If immediate patching is not possible, restrict access to the DataSource Manager Module to only trusted administrators
• Implement a web application firewall (WAF) rule to filter requests containing suspicious JDBC parameters
• Disable or restrict the ability to create new MySQL data sources until the upgrade can be completed
• Apply principle of least privilege to the Linkis service account to minimize file system access

# Verify your Apache Linkis version
# Check the installation directory for version information
cat /path/to/linkis/VERSION
# or
grep -r "version" /path/to/linkis/conf/linkis.properties

# After upgrade, verify the new version is 1.7.0 or higher
# Restart all Linkis services after the upgrade
./bin/linkis-start-all.sh