Apache HugeGraph-Server Remote Command Execution (RCE) Vulnerability Advisory (CVE-2024-27348)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTApache HugeGraph-Server versions from 1.0.0 before 1.3.0 running on Java 8 & Java 11
Unauthenticated remote attackers can bypass security controls and execute arbitrary system commands via the Gremlin query engine, leading to full system compromise
Upgrade Apache HugeGraph-Server to version 1.3.0 or higher with Java 11, and ensure the Authentication system is enabled
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
It is highly recommended to upgrade Apache HugeGraph-Server to version 1.3.0 or later using Java 11 and enable the authentication system.
# 1. Stop the running HugeGraph instance
docker stop hugegraph-server || true
# 2. Download and extract the patched version (1.3.0 or higher)
wget https://archive.apache.org/dist/incubator/hugegraph/1.3.0/apache-hugegraph-incubating-1.3.0.tar.gz
tar -zxvf apache-hugegraph-incubating-1.3.0.tar.gz
cd apache-hugegraph-incubating-1.3.02. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, restrict access by enabling the StandardAuthenticator in the configuration file.
# Enable authentication in rest-server.properties
cat <<EOF >> ./conf/rest-server.properties
# Enable user authentication system
auth.authenticator=org.apache.hugegraph.auth.StandardAuthenticator
auth.graph_store=hugegraph
EOF
# Restart the service to apply changes
./bin/start-hugegraph.sh3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Inspect the server logs for unauthorized Gremlin execution attempts and suspicious Java runtime invocations.
# 1. Search for malicious keywords in the HugeGraph logs
grep -Ei 'processbuilder|runtime.getruntime|java.lang' /path/to/hugegraph/logs/*.log
# 2. Verify the running process and active ports
ps -ef | grep hugegraph
netstat -tulnp | grep 8080Block Exploits Instantly with Managed Virtual Patching Rules
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Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability (CVE-2024-27348) is a critical Remote Command Execution (RCE) flaw in Apache HugeGraph-Server caused by insufficient access control (CWE-284) and sandbox bypass vulnerabilities. HugeGraph utilizes the Gremlin script engine to process graph database queries. When the authentication system is disabled or improperly configured in default deployments, unauthenticated remote attackers can submit crafted Gremlin queries that bypass sandbox restrictions to access underlying Java classes and reflection APIs.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
An attacker exploits this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted HTTP POST request containing a malicious Gremlin script to the server's REST API endpoint (typically /gremlin). By leveraging Java reflection or classes like ProcessBuilder within the Gremlin script, the attacker bypasses the execution sandbox. Since the server executes the script without proper validation or authentication, the payload runs with the privileges of the HugeGraph process, resulting in arbitrary OS command execution. This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in the CISA KEV catalog with an EPSS score exceeding 0.99.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
Successful exploitation allows complete takeover of the host operating system running the HugeGraph-Server. Attackers can exfiltrate sensitive graph data, deploy ransomware, establish persistence, or perform lateral movement within the internal network. This poses a severe threat to enterprise data integrity and business continuity.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
RCE-Remote Command Execution vulnerability in Apache HugeGraph-Server.This issue affects Apache HugeGraph-Server: from 1.0.0 before 1.3.0 in Java8 & Java11 Users are recommended to upgrade to version 1.3.0 with Java11 & enable the Auth system, which fixes the issue.
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2024-27348)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2024-27348 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2024-27348 is rated CVSS 9.8 (CRITICAL) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 99.2%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2024-27348?
Primary impacted vendors include apache across hugegraph-server. Scope summary: Apache HugeGraph-Server versions 1.0.0 through 1.2.x running on Java 8 and Java 11
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2024-27348 before patching?
[Mitigation] Upgrade Apache HugeGraph-Server to version 1.3.0 or higher with Java 11, and ensure the Authentication system is enabled Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
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