CVE-2023-22946 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified in Apache Spark prior to version 3.4.0, impacting applications that utilize spark-submit to specify a 'proxy-user' for execution, potentially leading to privilege escalation through the injection of malicious configuration classes on the classpath.

Understanding CVE-2023-22946

This section delves deeper into the specifics of CVE-2023-22946, shedding light on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential repercussions.

What is CVE-2023-22946?

In Apache Spark versions prior to 3.4.0, the vulnerability allows applications using spark-submit to define a 'proxy-user' for operation, imposing restrictions on privileged actions. However, by introducing malevolent configuration-related classes on the classpath, an attacker can exploit this feature to execute code with the privileges of the submitting user. This vulnerability is particularly critical for architectures reliant on proxy-user, such as systems leveraging Apache Livy for managing submitted applications.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22946

The impact of CVE-2023-22946 is significant as it enables threat actors to elevate privileges within affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized execution of code and manipulation of sensitive data. This exploitation can have serious consequences for the security and integrity of the systems running vulnerable versions of Apache Spark.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22946

This section provides a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects related to CVE-2023-22946.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a flaw in Apache Spark versions prior to 3.4.0, allowing threat actors to exploit the 'proxy-user' functionality in spark-submit to execute unauthorized code with elevated privileges by introducing malicious configuration classes on the classpath.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Apache Spark versions less than 3.4.0, specifically affecting applications utilizing spark-submit to define 'proxy-user' for restricted execution.

Exploitation Mechanism

By injecting malicious configuration-related classes on the classpath, threat actors can exploit the vulnerability in Apache Spark versions prior to 3.4.0 to execute unauthorized code with the privileges of the submitting user, potentially leading to privilege escalation and unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of CVE-2023-22946, it is crucial for organizations to implement effective mitigation strategies and preventive measures to safeguard their systems against potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations are advised to update to Apache Spark version 3.4.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, ensuring that the 'spark.submit.proxyUser.allowCustomClasspathInClusterMode' configuration parameter is set to its default value of "false" and not overridden by submitted applications is essential to bolster the security posture.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust privilege management practices, conducting regular security audits, and providing security awareness training to personnel can fortify the organization's resilience against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring security advisories from Apache Software Foundation and promptly applying patches and updates for Apache Spark can help organizations stay abreast of potential security threats and ensure their systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.