CVE-2023-27524
Apache Superset ≤ 2.0.1
Raw vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:LSummary
CVE-2023-27524 is a high-severity Initialization of a Resource with an Insecure Default (CWE-1188) vulnerability in Apache Superset. Its CVSS base score is 8.9 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Default Accounts (T1078.001); ranked in the top 0.1% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; CISA has added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis AI-assisted summary
Synthesised by an AI model from the NVD description and linked references — a reading aid, not an authoritative source.
CVE-2023-27524 is a session validation vulnerability affecting Apache Superset versions up to and including 2.0.1. It arises when installations retain the default SECRET_KEY configuration value, which is used to sign session cookies and encrypt sensitive database information, allowing unauthorized authentication to protected resources. The issue is tracked under CWE-1188 and carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.9.
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit the flaw over the network by leveraging the unchanged default key to forge valid sessions, thereby gaining access to data and functionality that should be restricted. The attack requires no user interaction and can lead to high-impact confidentiality, integrity, and limited availability consequences, though it does not affect deployments where administrators have already replaced the default SECRET_KEY.
Apache advisories instruct all Superset installations to configure a unique, randomly generated SECRET_KEY in the superset_config.py file or via the SUPERSET_SECRET_KEY environment variable, emphasizing that this step must be performed according to installation guidance.
The associated EPSS score reached a peak of 0.9729, indicating that exploitation interest emerged after disclosure and that the vulnerability warrants renewed attention.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-1207
Vulnerability Data
Session Validation attacks in Apache Superset versions up to and including 2.0.1. Installations that have not altered the default configured SECRET_KEY according to installation instructions allow for an attacker to authenticate and access unauthorized resources. This does not affect Superset…
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administrators who have changed the default value for SECRET_KEY config. All superset installations should always set a unique secure random SECRET_KEY. Your SECRET_KEY is used to securely sign all session cookies and encrypting sensitive information on the database. Add a strong SECRET_KEY to your `superset_config.py` file like: SECRET_KEY = <YOUR_OWN_RANDOM_GENERATED_SECRET_KEY> Alternatively you can set it with `SUPERSET_SECRET_KEY` environment variable.
- CWE(s)
- KEV Date Added
- 08 January 2024
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise Techniques
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Control response
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- 13 hardening rules · 7 OS baselines
V14.3.2V6.3.2V11.3.1V13.2.3
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Requires documented secure initialization practices and avoidance of insecure defaults in configuration baselines.
Reviewing and updating baseline when components are installed or upgraded prevents initialization with insecure defaults.
Requiring explicit configuration to minimal functionality overrides insecure defaults that would otherwise enable excess capabilities.
Tailoring replaces or augments insecure default initializations with system-specific values and compensating controls before deployment.
Central configuration overrides or replaces insecure default initializations that would otherwise be left unchanged on each system.
SCRM practices during acquisition and configuration management address insecure default initializations shipped by vendors.
Scans detect resources initialized with insecure defaults that create exploitable conditions.
Instruction on secure initialization of security controls prevents leaving resources with insecure defaults after installation.
Mitigating Controls (NIST CSF 2.0) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→CSF cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Hardened baselines and configuration management directly replace insecure defaults with secure settings.
Secure development practices include designing products with secure defaults rather than insecure ones.
Pre-acquisition integrity checks can reject products known to ship with insecure defaults.
Mitigating Controls (ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→ISO cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Mandating secure baseline templates and immediate replacement of vendor defaults directly stops systems from being deployed with insecure factory settings that attackers can exploit.
Requiring documented specification, testing, and acceptance of changes ensures that new or modified components are not initialized with insecure default settings that would otherwise be left in production.
Requiring suppliers to document secure configuration and implemented security functions reduces the likelihood that products will be initialised with insecure default settings.
Hardening callouts derived
Configuration rules from DISA STIG baselines that bear on weaknesses of the type cited by this CVE. Each rule is shown with the relationship its mapping actually records, against the CWE it was authored against. Derived via CVE→CWE over `controls_xwalks` (authoritative rows only; rows rated `none` are excluded).
Oracle Linux 8 (1 rule)
- V-248823 OL 8 must not have the telnet-server package installed. prevents CWE-1188
RHEL 7 (1 rule)
- V-204627 SNMP community strings on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system must be changed from the default. prevents CWE-1188
Ubuntu 22.04 (1 rule)
- V-260529 Ubuntu 22.04 LTS must be configured so that remote X connections are disabled, unless to fulfill documented and validated mission requirements. prevents CWE-1188
Ubuntu 24.04 (1 rule)
- V-270708 Ubuntu 24.04 LTS must be configured so that remote X connections are disabled, unless to fulfill documented and validated mission requirements. prevents CWE-1188
Windows Server 2016 (1 rule)
- V-224972 Active Directory Group Policy objects must have proper access control permissions. prevents CWE-1188
Windows Server 2019 (1 rule)
- V-205741 Windows Server 2019 Active Directory Group Policy objects must have proper access control permissions. prevents CWE-1188