Apache Spark Standalone Master REST API Vulnerability Exposing Job Submission

CVE-2018-11770

Summary

In Apache Spark version 1.3.0 and later, the standalone master exposes a REST API for job submission that lacks adequate authentication measures. While the spark-submit mechanism leverages a shared secret for authentication via the 'spark.authenticate.secret' configuration property, this does not extend to the REST API. As a result, a user can submit a driver program without any authentication, although launching executors is restricted. This vulnerability also affects Mesos setups using the REST API for job submission in cluster mode. Future updates to Spark aim to clarify the documentation regarding this issue, and plans are in place to disable the REST API by default to enhance security.

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

Metasploit exploit module for CVE-2018-11770
Created by Rapid7

CVE-2018-11770
Created by ivanitlearning

References