CVE-2024-51941 Overview
CVE-2024-51941 is a remote code injection vulnerability in Apache Ambari, affecting the Ambari Metrics and AMS Alerts feature. The flaw resides in how alert definitions are processed, allowing malicious input to reach the alert script execution path. Authenticated users can inject and execute arbitrary code on the Ambari server. The Apache project has fixed the issue in the latest Ambari releases.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code. The current EPSS probability is approximately 1.45% at the 70.8 percentile, indicating moderate exploitation likelihood relative to other public CVEs.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the Ambari server through crafted alert definitions, compromising cluster confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Affected Products
- Apache Ambari (versions prior to the fixed release)
- Ambari Metrics System (AMS) component
- AMS Alerts feature handling alert script execution
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-21 - CVE-2024-51941 published to NVD
- 2025-01-21 - Apache disclosure posted to the Openwall OSS Security list
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-51941
Vulnerability Analysis
Apache Ambari provisions, manages, and monitors Apache Hadoop clusters. The Ambari Metrics System (AMS) collects cluster telemetry and evaluates alert definitions that describe when and how to notify operators. Alert definitions can reference scripts executed by the Ambari server as part of alert evaluation.
The vulnerability arises because untrusted input contained in alert definitions is passed into the alert script execution path without sufficient validation or sanitization. An authenticated user with permission to create or modify alert definitions can embed attacker-controlled content that Ambari later interprets as executable code. When the alert fires or the definition is processed, the injected payload runs in the context of the Ambari server process.
Because Ambari typically runs with elevated privileges to orchestrate cluster nodes, code execution on the server translates to broad control over the managed Hadoop environment, including configuration files, credentials, and downstream services.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper control of generated code [CWE-94] in the alert definition handling logic. User-supplied fields intended to describe alert behavior are incorporated into the script execution flow without treating them as data-only, enabling injection into the code path evaluated by Ambari.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires authentication with privileges sufficient to create or update alert definitions. No user interaction is needed after the malicious definition is submitted. An attacker submits a crafted alert definition, and the injected commands are executed when Ambari processes the alert, yielding arbitrary command execution on the server.
No verified public exploit code is available. Technical specifics are described in the Apache Security Announcement.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-51941
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected creation or modification of alert definitions in Ambari, particularly containing shell metacharacters, script fragments, or unusual command syntax.
- Child processes spawned by the Ambari server or AMS collector that do not correspond to normal alert scripts (for example, sh, bash, python, curl, or wget).
- Outbound network connections from the Ambari server to unfamiliar hosts shortly after alert configuration changes.
- New or modified files under Ambari script directories that were not deployed through change management.
Detection Strategies
- Audit Ambari REST API calls to alert definition endpoints and correlate with the authenticating user and source IP.
- Alert on process lineage where the Ambari server process invokes interpreters or network utilities outside its documented set of alert scripts.
- Compare alert definitions against a known-good baseline and flag drift, especially in script source and parameter fields.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward Ambari server, AMS, and operating system audit logs to a centralized log platform for retention and correlation.
- Monitor authentication and role assignment changes in Ambari to identify accounts recently granted alert management privileges.
- Track file integrity on Ambari configuration and script directories on the management server.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-51941
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Apache Ambari to the fixed release identified in the Apache Security Announcement.
- Review all existing alert definitions for unexpected script content and remove any that cannot be attributed to authorized changes.
- Rotate credentials, tokens, and keys stored on or accessible from the Ambari server if compromise is suspected.
Patch Information
The Apache Ambari project has addressed CVE-2024-51941 in the latest Ambari versions. Administrators should apply the vendor-provided upgrade and validate that the AMS Alerts feature no longer processes untrusted alert definition input into the script execution path. Refer to the Openwall OSS Security update for the disclosure details.
Workarounds
- Restrict Ambari accounts with permission to create or modify alert definitions to a small, trusted operator set.
- Place the Ambari management interface behind network controls that limit access to administrative networks only.
- Enable authentication logging and require multi-factor authentication for Ambari administrative accounts until the patch is applied.
# Configuration example: restrict network exposure of the Ambari server
# Allow only the administrative subnet to reach the Ambari web UI/API
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8080 -s 10.0.10.0/24 -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.
