CVE-2024-55964
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands within Appsmith Docker containers by exploiting a misconfigured PostgreSQL instance. It affects all Appsmith deployments using the vulnerable Docker image. Attackers need valid Appsmith credentials and the ability to create datasources and queries.
💻 Affected Systems
- Appsmith
📦 What is this software?
Appsmith by Appsmith
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full container compromise leading to lateral movement, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation in the container environment.
Likely Case
Unauthorized command execution within the Appsmith container, potentially accessing sensitive application data and configuration.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to network segmentation, container isolation, and restricted user permissions preventing lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access to Appsmith interface and knowledge of PostgreSQL command injection techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.52 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/appsmithorg/appsmith/security/advisories/GHSA-m95x-4w54-gc83
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Appsmith to version 1.52 or later. 2. Pull the latest Docker image. 3. Restart the Appsmith container. 4. Verify the PostgreSQL configuration is properly secured.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict PostgreSQL Permissions
linuxConfigure PostgreSQL to run with minimal privileges and disable unnecessary functions.
docker exec -it appsmith-container psql -U postgres -c "REVOKE ALL ON SCHEMA public FROM public;"
docker exec -it appsmith-container psql -U postgres -c "REVOKE ALL ON DATABASE appsmith FROM public;"
Network Segmentation
linuxIsolate Appsmith containers from sensitive systems and restrict network access.
docker network create --internal appsmith-internal
docker network connect appsmith-internal appsmith-container
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and multi-factor authentication for Appsmith users.
- Monitor and audit all datasource creation and query execution activities in Appsmith.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Appsmith version in admin settings or run: docker exec appsmith-container cat /opt/appsmith/version.txtCheck Version:
docker exec appsmith-container cat /opt/appsmith/version.txtVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 1.52 or higher and verify PostgreSQL configuration restricts command execution.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual PostgreSQL query patterns
- Unexpected command execution in container logs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by datasource creation
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Appsmith container to unexpected destinations
- Unusual database query volumes
SIEM Query:
source="appsmith" AND (event="datasource_creation" OR event="query_execution") | stats count by user, ip_address