CVE-2024-7552 Overview
CVE-2024-7552 affects DataGear versions up to and including 5.0.0. The vulnerability resides in the evaluateVariableExpression function of ConversionSqlParamValueMapper.java within the Data Schema Page component. Attackers can manipulate expression language input to inject malicious statements that the server evaluates. The flaw is classified under CWE-917: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements Used in an Expression Language Statement. The exploit has been publicly disclosed, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic abuse against exposed DataGear instances.
Critical Impact
Remote authenticated attackers can inject expression language statements that are evaluated server-side, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and further compromise of the DataGear application.
Affected Products
- DataGear versions up to 5.0.0
- Component: Data Schema Page
- File: ConversionSqlParamValueMapper.java
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-08-06 - CVE-2024-7552 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-7552
Vulnerability Analysis
DataGear is an open-source data visualization and analysis platform. The vulnerability originates in the evaluateVariableExpression method of the ConversionSqlParamValueMapper class. This method processes variable expressions supplied through the Data Schema Page but fails to neutralize special characters used by the underlying expression language interpreter. Attacker-controlled input reaches the expression evaluator, allowing execution of arbitrary expression language constructs. The issue is remotely exploitable over the network and requires low privileges to abuse. The public disclosure of exploitation details raises the practical risk for internet-exposed deployments.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input neutralization before expression evaluation. ConversionSqlParamValueMapper.java passes user-supplied values into an expression language engine without sanitizing metacharacters or restricting the expression context. This aligns with CWE-917, where trusted evaluation is applied to untrusted input.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker with access to functionality that reaches evaluateVariableExpression submits a crafted expression through the Data Schema Page. The server interprets the expression, executing operations that the application logic never intended to expose. Because no verified proof-of-concept code is available, the exploitation details are described in prose. Refer to the Gitee Issue Discussion and the VulDB entry for #273697 for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-7552
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected server-side evaluation of parameters containing expression language delimiters such as ${...} or #{...} in DataGear request logs.
- Application errors or stack traces referencing ConversionSqlParamValueMapper or expression evaluation classes.
- Anomalous outbound connections or file access originating from the DataGear Java process following user interaction with the Data Schema Page.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect HTTP request bodies and query parameters submitted to Data Schema Page endpoints for expression language syntax and shell metacharacters.
- Correlate authenticated DataGear sessions with unusual database schema activity or process spawning by the DataGear JVM.
- Enable verbose application logging on ConversionSqlParamValueMapper and alert on evaluation failures that indicate probing attempts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward DataGear application logs and JVM audit events to a centralized SIEM for behavioral correlation.
- Monitor for privilege changes, new administrative users, or configuration modifications following expression evaluation events.
- Track network egress from DataGear servers to detect data exfiltration attempts triggered through expression injection.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-7552
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network exposure of DataGear instances to trusted users and internal networks only.
- Review and reduce account privileges within DataGear, ensuring only trusted operators can access the Data Schema Page.
- Audit recent activity in the Data Schema component for suspicious variable expressions.
Patch Information
At the time of this writing, no fixed version was published in the NVD entry. Monitor the DataGear project on Gitee for patched releases and apply updates as soon as they become available. Track the VulDB CTI record #273697 for advisory changes.
Workarounds
- Place DataGear behind a reverse proxy or web application firewall that blocks expression language metacharacters such as ${, #{, and T( in relevant request parameters.
- Disable or restrict access to the Data Schema Page for non-administrative users until an official fix is deployed.
- Isolate the DataGear service account so that successful exploitation cannot pivot to sensitive database or file system resources.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
