CVE-2024-46997: Dataease RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-46997 Overview

DataEase is an open source data visualization analysis tool. Prior to version 2.10.1, an attacker can achieve remote command execution by adding a carefully constructed H2 data source connection string. This injection vulnerability (CWE-74) allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying server through malicious database connection parameters.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated remote command execution allows attackers to fully compromise DataEase servers, potentially leading to data exfiltration, lateral movement, and complete system takeover.

Affected Products

• DataEase versions prior to 2.10.1
• DataEase data visualization analysis tool (all deployments with H2 database connectivity)
• Self-hosted and containerized DataEase installations

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-09-23 - CVE-2024-46997 published to NVD
• 2024-10-07 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-46997

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in a command (Injection - CWE-74). The DataEase application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input when configuring H2 database data source connections. H2 is an embedded Java SQL database that supports various connection string parameters, some of which can be abused for code execution.

When an attacker provides a specially crafted H2 connection string, they can leverage H2's built-in functionality to execute arbitrary Java code or system commands. This attack does not require any prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for internet-exposed DataEase installations.

The vulnerability is highly exploitable with a network attack vector, low complexity, and no privileges or user interaction required. Successful exploitation results in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause is insufficient input validation and sanitization of H2 database connection strings. H2 database supports various initialization parameters such as INIT, TRACE_LEVEL_SYSTEM_OUT, and others that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. DataEase did not properly filter or restrict these dangerous parameters before passing them to the H2 JDBC driver, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands through the connection string.

Attack Vector

The attack is conducted over the network by submitting a malicious H2 connection string through the DataEase data source configuration interface. An attacker crafts a connection URL that includes H2-specific parameters designed to execute arbitrary Java code or system commands during the database connection initialization phase.

The H2 database's INIT parameter, for example, allows execution of SQL statements at connection time, which can include calls to Java runtime methods capable of executing system commands. By injecting these parameters into the connection string, an unauthenticated attacker gains the ability to run commands with the privileges of the DataEase application process.

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability and exploitation mechanics, refer to the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-h7mj-m72h-qm8w.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-46997

Indicators of Compromise

• Suspicious H2 database connection attempts with unusual parameters such as INIT, RUNSCRIPT, or TRACE_LEVEL
• Unexpected child processes spawned by the DataEase Java application process
• Anomalous network connections originating from the DataEase server to external hosts
• Log entries indicating failed or unusual data source connection configurations

Detection Strategies

• Monitor DataEase application logs for data source creation or modification events containing suspicious connection string patterns
• Implement network detection rules to identify H2 JDBC connection strings with potentially malicious initialization parameters
• Deploy endpoint detection to alert on command execution from Java processes running DataEase
• Review audit logs for unauthorized data source configuration changes

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for DataEase data source configuration operations
• Implement file integrity monitoring on DataEase configuration directories
• Set up alerts for any new outbound connections from DataEase servers to unknown destinations
• Monitor process creation events on systems hosting DataEase for suspicious command execution

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-46997

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade DataEase to version 2.10.1 or later immediately
• Restrict network access to DataEase instances, ensuring they are not directly exposed to the internet
• Review existing data source configurations for any suspicious or unauthorized H2 connection strings
• Audit access logs for signs of exploitation attempts prior to patching

Patch Information

The DataEase development team has addressed this vulnerability in version 2.10.1. The fix implements proper validation and sanitization of H2 database connection strings to prevent injection of malicious parameters. Organizations should upgrade to version 2.10.1 or later as soon as possible.

For more details, consult the GitHub Security Advisory.

Workarounds

• Place DataEase behind a web application firewall (WAF) configured to block requests containing suspicious H2 connection string patterns
• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to the DataEase administration interface to trusted networks only
• Disable or remove the ability to configure H2 database connections if not required by your deployment
• Apply principle of least privilege to the DataEase service account to limit the impact of potential exploitation

# Example: Restrict network access to DataEase using iptables
# Allow access only from trusted management subnet
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 10.0.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.0.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP