CVE-2018-11760 : What You Need to Know

CVE-2018-11760 was published on January 28, 2019, by Apache Software Foundation. The vulnerability affects Apache Spark versions 1.x, 2.0.x, 2.1.x, 2.2.0 to 2.2.2, and 2.3.0 to 2.3.1, allowing unauthorized local users to impersonate the user running the Spark application.

Understanding CVE-2018-11760

Apache Spark vulnerability leading to local privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2018-11760?

CVE-2018-11760 is a security issue in PySpark that enables unauthorized local users to connect to a Spark application and impersonate the legitimate user.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11760

This vulnerability can result in local privilege escalation, allowing unauthorized users to gain privileges within the Spark application.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11760

Details of the vulnerability in Apache Spark.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in PySpark permits unauthorized local users to connect to a Spark application and assume the identity of the legitimate user.

Affected Systems and Versions

Apache Spark 1.x
Apache Spark 2.0.x
Apache Spark 2.1.x
Apache Spark 2.2.0 to 2.2.2
Apache Spark 2.3.0 to 2.3.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized local users can exploit this vulnerability to connect to a Spark application and impersonate the user running the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent CVE-2018-11760.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache Spark to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to Spark applications to authorized users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations for Apache Spark.
Educate users on secure practices when interacting with Spark applications.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Apache Software Foundation to mitigate the CVE-2018-11760 vulnerability.