CVE-2025-24404
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on Apache HertzBeat servers by injecting malicious XML into HTTP sitemap responses. Attackers need authenticated access to add monitors parsed by XML, and specially crafted content triggers XML parsing vulnerabilities. This affects all Apache HertzBeat installations before version 1.7.0.
💻 Affected Systems
- Apache HertzBeat (incubating)
📦 What is this software?
Hertzbeat by Apache
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with remote code execution leading to data theft, lateral movement, and complete control of the HertzBeat server and potentially connected systems.
Likely Case
Authenticated attackers gaining shell access to the HertzBeat server, allowing them to steal monitoring data, modify configurations, and potentially pivot to other systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper authentication controls, network segmentation, and monitoring preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access and knowledge of XML injection techniques. No public exploit code is currently available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.7.0
Vendor Advisory: https://lists.apache.org/thread/4ydy3tqbpwmhl79mcj3pxwqz62nggrfd
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup current configuration and data. 2. Download Apache HertzBeat version 1.7.0 or later from official sources. 3. Stop the HertzBeat service. 4. Replace the installation with the new version. 5. Restart the HertzBeat service. 6. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict XML Monitor Creation
allLimit user permissions to prevent unauthorized users from creating or modifying XML-based monitors.
Review and tighten user role permissions in HertzBeat configuration
Network Segmentation
allIsolate HertzBeat servers from critical systems and restrict network access.
Implement firewall rules to limit HertzBeat server network connectivity
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and least privilege principles for HertzBeat user accounts
- Deploy network segmentation and monitor for unusual XML parsing activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the HertzBeat version number in the web interface or configuration files. If version is below 1.7.0, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check the version in the HertzBeat web interface or examine the application.properties file for version information.Verify Fix Applied:
After upgrading, confirm the version is 1.7.0 or higher and test XML monitor functionality with safe test data.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual XML parsing errors
- Multiple failed XML monitor creation attempts
- Unexpected process execution from HertzBeat service
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from HertzBeat server
- XML payloads containing suspicious content in HTTP requests
SIEM Query:
source="hertzbeat" AND (event="xml_parse_error" OR event="monitor_creation" AND xml_content="*")