A Security Vulnerability in Apache Flink Is Being Actively Exploited, Says the CISA

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently updated its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list. This update includes a security flaw in Apache Flink, an open-source framework used for processing data streams and batches.

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Understanding the Vulnerability

The issue involves weak access control in Apache Flink. This means an attacker can read any file on the JobManager’s local filesystem through its REST interface. This problem is identified as CVE-2020-17519.

What makes this vulnerability serious is that an attacker doesn’t need to be authenticated. They can send a specially crafted request that tricks the system into giving access to sensitive information.

Impact and Resolution

This vulnerability affects Flink versions 1.11.0, 1.11.1, and 1.11.2. However, the good news is that it was fixed in versions 1.11.3 and 1.12.0, which were released in January 2021.

Despite the fix, Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 reported that between November 2020 and January 2021, there was widespread exploitation of this flaw. The exact nature of these attacks remains unclear, but they were significant enough to raise alarms.

Expert Warnings

Security researchers Lei Xu, Yue Guan, and Vaibhav Singhal reported in April 2021 that several new exploits, including CVE-2020-28188, CVE-2020-17519, and CVE-2020-29227, emerged and were actively exploited from late 2020 to early 2021. These exploits are named after the vulnerabilities discovered during that time.

Action Steps for Federal Agencies

Given the ongoing exploitation, CISA advises federal agencies to install the latest updates by June 13, 2024. This is crucial to protect their networks from active attacks, especially since CVE-2020-17519 is now being exploited publicly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the active exploitation of Apache Flink’s security flaw underscores the importance of staying vigilant and proactive in cybersecurity. Organizations must ensure their systems are up-to-date with the latest patches to protect sensitive information and maintain network security. Addressing these vulnerabilities promptly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and helps guard against potential cyber threats.

By keeping systems updated and monitoring for new vulnerabilities, agencies and organizations can significantly enhance their security posture. The lessons learned from this Apache Flink vulnerability highlight the need for continuous vigilance and prompt action in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

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