CVE-2023-27524: Apache Superset Insecure Default Initialization of Resource Vulnerability

Should you act?

Exploited: patch now if you run it

CISA has confirmed exploitation in the wild. This signal is computed from CISA KEV, EPSS and CVSS data; it is not an editorial verdict.

• Yes, if you run Apache Superset. CISA added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-01-08, which means there is reliable evidence of exploitation in the wild. US federal agencies must remediate by 2024-01-29; treat that as the outer limit, not the target.
• EPSS 97.4%, percentile 99.9: FIRST’s model estimates a 97.4% chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs (very high). EPSS is a probability, not a verdict.
• Remotely reachable with no login and no user interaction. If the vulnerable service is exposed to the internet, prioritize it.

What it is

Session Validation attacks in Apache Superset versions up to and including 2.0.1. Installations that have not altered the default configured SECRETKEY according to installation instructions allow for an attacker to authenticate and access unauthorized resources. This does not affect Superset administrators who have changed the default value for SECRETKEY config. All superset installations should always set a unique secure random SECRETKEY. Your SECRETKEY is used to securely sign all session cookies and encrypting sensitive information on the database. Add a strong SECRETKEY to your supersetconfig.py file like: SECRETKEY = Alternatively you can set it with SUPERSETSECRETKEY environment variable.

CISA’s summary

Apache Superset contains an insecure default initialization of a resource vulnerability that allows an attacker to authenticate and access unauthorized resources on installations that have not altered the default configured SECRET_KEY according to installation instructions.

Weakness type: CWE-1188.

Product: Apache Superset · Assigned by: apache · Published: 2023-04-24

Affected and fixed versions

Severity scores

• Attack vector: network (remotely reachable)
• Attack complexity: high (needs special conditions)
• Privileges required: none (no login)
• User interaction: none
• Scope: changed (can affect other components)

CVSS measures how bad a flaw is if exploited, not how likely exploitation is. Read it next to the exploitation data below.

Exploitation and urgency

• CISA KEV: added 2024-01-08; federal due date 2024-01-29. Known ransomware use: Unknown.
• CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
• CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation active, automatable no, technical impact total.
• FIRST EPSS (model of 2026-10-21): 97.41% probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days; percentile 99.9.

Timeline

• 2023-04-24 — CVE record published by apache
• 2024-01-08 — Added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
• 2024-01-29 — CISA remediation deadline for US federal agencies
• 2025-10-21 — CVE record last updated

Sources and references

Original sources first. Version and fix details should always be confirmed against the vendor or project advisory.

Vendor and project advisories, patches

1. lists.apache.org lists.apache.org

Vulnerability records

1. CVE.org record CVE-2023-27524 cve.org
2. NVD entry CVE-2023-27524 nvd.nist.gov

Government

1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entry cisa.gov

Other references from the CVE record and advisory

1. openwall.com openwall.com
2. packetstormsecurity.com packetstormsecurity.com
3. packetstormsecurity.com packetstormsecurity.com

All exploited Apache vulnerabilities · Today’s Security Digest