IRONSMITHINTEL
HIGHCVSS8.9
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2023-27524|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

Apache Superset Insecure Default Initialization of Resource Vulnerability (CVE-2023-27524)

Apache Superset contains an insecure default initialization of a resource vulnerability that allows an attacker to authenticate and access unauthorized resources on installations that have not altered the default configured SECRET_KEY according to installation instructions.

Published Apr 24, 2023 · Updated May 29, 2026
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Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, partial service disruption. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2024-01-29 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Insecure Default Initialization of Resource (CWE-1188) vulnerability in Apache Superset. 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 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. Exploitation requires remote network access, higher attack complexity, no authentication required, and no user interaction required.

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Phishing link

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Malicious file

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Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running superset: v ≤ 2.0.1
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

Active exploitation documented in the wild. Threat-research write-up: https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/172522/Apache-Superset-2.0.0-Authentication-Bypass.html

How to patch

Get the fix

Apply the fixed package from your vendor. The advisory lists affected versions and the exact fixed build.

Vendor advisory

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://lists.apache.org/thread/n0ftx60sllf527j7g11kmt24wvof8xyk
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-27524
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-27524
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