CVE-2025-23195 impacts Apache Ambari

Background

Apache Ambari is a widely-used open-source tool that helps manage, monitor, and provision Hadoop clusters. It provides a user-friendly interface, simplifies cluster operations, and supports various Big Data components like HDFS, YARN, and HBase. Given its extensive use in production environments, securing Ambari is crucial to protecting the integrity and availability of the data it manages.

Detailed Analysis of Vulnerabilities

1. CVE-2025-23195: XML External Entity (XXE) Vulnerability

• Severity: Critical
• Description: This vulnerability exploits improperly configured XML parsers within the Ambari/Oozie integration. It allows attackers to manipulate XML data to read arbitrary files on the server. Moreover, it can lead to Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks, enabling attackers to interact with internal services, execute unauthorized commands, or access restricted areas.
• Impact: Potential compromise of sensitive data, exposure of internal network services, and unauthorized execution of system commands.
• Affected Versions: Various versions and components of Ambari, particularly those integrating with Oozie workflows.
• Remediation: Upgrading to Ambari version 2.7.9 or later mitigates this vulnerability by correctly configuring XML parsers to prevent external entity attacks.

2. CVE-2025-23196: Code Injection Vulnerability

• Severity: Important
• Description: Located within the Ambari Alert Definition feature, this vulnerability permits authenticated users to input malicious data into alert script definitions. When these scripts are executed, the injected commands are run on the server, allowing for remote code execution.
• Impact: This flaw can be leveraged to run arbitrary commands, compromising the server, accessing sensitive information, or disrupting services.
• Affected Versions: Ambari versions prior to 2.7.9.
• Remediation: Updating to Ambari version 2.7.9 or later addresses this issue by improving input validation and restricting injection vectors.

3. CVE-2024-51941: Remote Code Injection

• Severity: Important
• Description: This vulnerability exists within the Ambari Metrics System (AMS) and AMS Alerts. An authenticated user can exploit this flaw to inject and execute arbitrary commands via crafted alert definition inputs.
• Impact: The vulnerability can lead to a complete system takeover, allowing attackers to exfiltrate sensitive data, alter configurations, and interrupt services.
• Affected Versions: Versions of Ambari before 2.7.9.
• Remediation: Upgrade to Ambari version 2.7.9 or newer to ensure protection against this exploit by implementing stronger input validation and secure coding practices.

Additional Protective Measures

1. Regular Updates: Continuously update and apply patches to all software components to safeguard against documented vulnerabilities and newly discovered threats.
2. Robust Monitoring Systems: Employ comprehensive monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify and react to suspicious activities in real time.
3. Detailed Security Audits: Conduct frequent and thorough security audits to uncover and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
4. User Education and Training: Educate users and administrators on best security practices, awareness of potential threats, and proper response protocols to ensure they can act swiftly when vulnerabilities are identified.

Conclusion

Addressing these critical vulnerabilities in Apache Ambari is vital to maintaining a secure and resilient Hadoop environment. By applying the necessary updates to Ambari version 2.7.9 or later and following best security practices, organizations can significantly mitigate the risks posed by these vulnerabilities, ensuring the integrity and availability of their data and services.