Authentication Bypass by Capture-replay in Apache Spark
Apache Spark supports end-to-end encryption of RPC connections via "spark.authenticate" and "spark.network.crypto.enabled". In versions 3.1.2 and earlier, it uses a bespoke mutual authentication protocol that allows for full encryption key recovery. After an initial interactive attack, this would allow someone to decrypt plaintext traffic offline. Note that this does not affect security mechanisms controlled by "spark.authenticate.enableSaslEncryption", "spark.io.encryption.enabled", "spark.ssl", "spark.ui.strictTransportSecurity". Update to Apache Spark 3.1.3 or later
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java / Kotlin (Maven) | org.apache.spark:spark-core | < 3.1.3 | 3.1.3 |
| Python (PyPI) | pyspark | < 3.1.3 | 3.1.3 |
References
- https://lists.apache.org/thread/70x8fw2gx3g9ty7yk0f2f1dlpqml2smd
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-9rr6-jpg7-9jg6
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-38296
- https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/tree/main/vulns/pyspark/PYSEC-2022-186.yaml
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujul2022.html
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-294- Platform
- Java / Kotlin (Maven), Python (PyPI)
- Package
org.apache.spark:spark-core, pyspark- Disclosed
- 10.03.2022
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 11:20
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2022-186 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-9rr6-jpg7-9jg6 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: org.apache.spark:spark-core
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Java / Kotlin (Maven)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
This is the only known vulnerability of this package.
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