CVE-2025-30067: Apache Kylin RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-30067 Overview

CVE-2025-30067 is a code injection vulnerability [CWE-94] in Apache Kylin, the distributed analytics engine used for online analytical processing (OLAP) on large datasets. The flaw allows an attacker with system or project admin permissions to modify the Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) connection configuration and execute arbitrary code on the Kylin server. The issue affects Apache Kylin versions 4.0.0 through 5.0.1. Apache released version 5.0.2 to address the vulnerability.

Critical Impact
An authenticated administrator can pivot from Kylin admin access to full remote code execution on the underlying host by altering the JDBC connection string.

Affected Products

Apache Kylin 4.0.0 through 5.0.1
Apache Kylin deployments exposing system or project admin access
Analytics environments running Kylin with externally reachable web consoles

Discovery Timeline

2025-03-27 - CVE-2025-30067 published to NVD and disclosed on the Apache mailing list
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-30067

Vulnerability Analysis

Apache Kylin allows administrators to configure JDBC data sources through its management interface. The vulnerability stems from improper control over the JDBC connection string, which an attacker can manipulate to load attacker-controlled drivers or invoke driver features that result in arbitrary code execution. Because Kylin executes the connection logic server-side, code injected through a crafted JDBC URL runs in the context of the Kylin process.

The flaw requires high privileges. An attacker must already hold system or project admin permissions, either through compromised credentials, weak authentication on internet-exposed consoles, or insider access. Once those permissions are obtained, the attacker can fully compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of input used in the construction of JDBC connection parameters [CWE-94]. Kylin trusts admin-supplied configuration values without restricting dangerous driver properties or class loading behavior, allowing the connection setup phase to be repurposed as a code execution primitive.

Attack Vector

Exploitation is network-based and proceeds through the standard Kylin administrative API or web console. After authenticating as a system or project administrator, the attacker submits a malicious JDBC connection configuration. When Kylin processes the configuration, attacker-supplied parameters trigger execution of arbitrary code on the server. Refer to the Apache Mailing List Thread and the Openwall OSS-Security Update for the official advisory details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30067

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected modifications to JDBC data source configurations within Kylin project metadata
JDBC connection strings containing unusual driver properties, classpath references, or remote URLs
Child processes spawned by the Kylin JVM that are inconsistent with normal query execution
Outbound network connections from the Kylin host to unfamiliar hosts shortly after admin login events

Detection Strategies

Audit Kylin administrative API calls and web console actions for changes to data source or JDBC settings
Compare current JDBC connection configurations against a known-good baseline to identify tampering
Alert on Kylin process activity that spawns shells, scripting interpreters, or network utilities
Monitor authentication logs for admin logins from new IP addresses or at unusual times

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward Kylin application logs, audit logs, and host process telemetry to a centralized analytics platform
Track configuration drift on the kylin.properties file and project metadata stores
Enable network egress monitoring from servers running Kylin to detect callbacks from injected code

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30067

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade Apache Kylin to version 5.0.2 or later, which contains the official fix
Rotate all Kylin administrator credentials and review recently created or modified admin accounts
Audit existing JDBC data source configurations and remove any that cannot be attributed to legitimate changes
Restrict network access to the Kylin management interface so it is not reachable from untrusted networks

Patch Information

Apache addressed CVE-2025-30067 in Apache Kylin 5.0.2. Operators running any release from 4.0.0 through 5.0.1 should upgrade. See the Apache Mailing List Thread for the vendor announcement.

Workarounds

Tightly restrict membership of system admin and project admin roles, applying least privilege
Enforce strong authentication, including multi-factor authentication, on all Kylin admin accounts
Place the Kylin console behind a reverse proxy or VPN and disable direct internet exposure
Continuously review JDBC connection configurations and require change-control approval for modifications

bash

# Verify the installed Apache Kylin version and confirm the patched release
${KYLIN_HOME}/bin/kylin.sh version
# Expected output should report Apache Kylin 5.0.2 or later