CVE-2020-9487 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Apache NiFi 1.0.0 to 1.11.4 allows unauthenticated users to disrupt the download token mechanism, leading to a denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2020-9487

In Apache NiFi versions 1.0.0 to 1.11.4, a vulnerability exists in the download token mechanism that can be exploited by unauthenticated users.

What is CVE-2020-9487?

The issue in Apache NiFi versions 1.0.0 to 1.11.4 allows unauthenticated users to repeatedly request download tokens, causing a denial of service by preventing legitimate users from accessing the tokens.

The Impact of CVE-2020-9487

This vulnerability poses a risk of service disruption, potentially affecting the availability of the Apache NiFi service.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-9487

The technical aspects of the CVE-2020-9487 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The NiFi download token mechanism in Apache NiFi 1.0.0 to 1.11.4 uses a fixed cache size and lacks authentication for creating download tokens.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache NiFi
Versions: Apache NiFi 1.0.0 to 1.11.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthenticated users can exploit the vulnerability by repeatedly requesting download tokens, leading to a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-9487, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Apache NiFi to a non-vulnerable version.
Implement network-level controls to restrict access to the affected component.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit download token requests.
Educate users on secure token generation practices.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Apache NiFi to fix the vulnerability and enhance security measures.