CVE-2025-53648 Overview
CVE-2025-53648 is a SQL misconfiguration vulnerability in the Apache Gravitino UI affecting versions 1.0.0 and below. The flaw allows an authenticated malicious user to read or truncate files on the underlying system through the web interface. Apache Gravitino is an open-source metadata lake platform used to manage data catalogs across heterogeneous data sources. The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-89] (SQL Injection) and requires low privileges to exploit over the network. Apache addressed the issue in Gravitino version 1.0.0.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can leverage SQL misconfiguration in the Gravitino UI to read arbitrary files or truncate them, compromising data confidentiality and integrity.
Affected Products
- Apache Gravitino versions 1.0.0 and below
- Deployments exposing the Gravitino UI to authenticated users
- Metadata lake environments running vulnerable Gravitino releases
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-30 - CVE-2025-53648 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-30 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-53648
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability originates in the Apache Gravitino UI, where SQL functionality is misconfigured in a way that permits abuse of database-level file operations. Because the affected component is exposed through the web interface, an authenticated user with low privileges can submit crafted input that leverages SQL primitives to access the host filesystem. The result is unauthorized file read or file truncation, depending on the operation invoked.
The issue is categorized under [CWE-89] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). Rather than delivering classic data extraction from application tables, the misconfiguration exposes file-level SQL capabilities, giving the attacker leverage over resources outside the intended data model. The EPSS probability for this issue is 0.348% at the 26.815 percentile.
Root Cause
The root cause is a misconfigured SQL layer in the Gravitino UI that fails to restrict dangerous file-handling SQL operations or fails to properly neutralize user-controlled input passed into SQL statements. This exposes filesystem-oriented SQL functionality to authenticated but unprivileged users of the UI.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the Gravitino UI and valid low-privilege credentials. No user interaction is required. An attacker sends crafted requests through the UI that trigger the misconfigured SQL behavior, causing the backend to read the contents of files accessible to the Gravitino service account or to truncate targeted files. See the Apache Email Thread Discussion and the OpenWall OSS Security Update for advisory context. No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently available.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53648
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected file access or truncation events on hosts running Apache Gravitino, especially involving files owned by the Gravitino service account.
- Gravitino UI requests from authenticated users containing SQL syntax targeting file I/O functions or system paths.
- Anomalous outbound responses from the Gravitino backend containing file contents that do not match normal metadata payloads.
Detection Strategies
- Enable and review Gravitino application and database query logs for SQL statements referencing filesystem operations.
- Alert on authenticated Gravitino sessions that generate atypical query patterns or oversized responses inconsistent with normal metadata browsing.
- Correlate web access logs from the Gravitino UI with filesystem audit events (auditd, Windows file auditing) on the backing host.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Instrument the Gravitino host with file integrity monitoring on directories accessible to the service account.
- Forward Gravitino query and access logs to a centralized analytics platform for baseline and outlier analysis.
- Track user behavior in the Gravitino UI, focusing on low-privilege accounts issuing unusual database operations.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53648
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Apache Gravitino to version 1.0.0 or later, which contains the fix from the vendor.
- Inventory all Gravitino deployments and confirm versions across development, staging, and production.
- Restrict network access to the Gravitino UI to trusted administrative networks until patched.
- Rotate credentials for any accounts that could have used the Gravitino UI during the exposure window.
Patch Information
Apache recommends upgrading to Gravitino 1.0.0, which remediates the SQL misconfiguration in the UI. Details are provided in the Apache Email Thread Discussion and the OpenWall OSS Security Update.
Workarounds
- Limit Gravitino UI access to a minimal set of trusted administrators until the upgrade is applied.
- Reduce filesystem permissions of the Gravitino service account so it cannot read or truncate sensitive files.
- Place the Gravitino UI behind an authenticating reverse proxy with strict access controls and request logging.
# Example: restrict Gravitino UI exposure at the network layer using iptables
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8090 -s 10.0.0.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8090 -j DROP
# Example: verify installed Gravitino version before and after upgrade
./bin/gravitino.sh --version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
