CVE-2020-17533 : Security Advisory and Response

Apache Accumulo versions 1.5.0 through 1.10.0 and version 2.0.0 have a vulnerability that allows authenticated users with insufficient permissions to perform certain administrative operations.

Understanding CVE-2020-17533

This CVE involves Apache Accumulo's improper handling of insufficient permissions, potentially leading to unauthorized administrative actions.

What is CVE-2020-17533?

Apache Accumulo versions 1.5.0 through 1.10.0 and version 2.0.0 do not adequately verify the return value of specific policy enforcement functions, enabling users with limited permissions to execute administrative tasks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-17533

The vulnerability permits authenticated users with inadequate permissions to execute actions such as flushing tables, shutting down Accumulo or tablet servers, and modifying system-wide configuration properties.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-17533

This section provides detailed technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of proper validation of return values from security functions like 'canFlush' and 'canPerformSystemActions', allowing unauthorized administrative actions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Apache Accumulo 1.5.0 through 1.10.0
Apache Accumulo 2.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users exploit the vulnerability by bypassing the insufficient permission checks in the mentioned security functions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2020-17533 with the following measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to Apache Accumulo version 1.10.1, 2.0.1, or later to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and adjust user permissions to ensure least privilege access.
Monitor and audit administrative actions to detect unauthorized activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates from Apache Software Foundation to address vulnerabilities promptly.