CVE-2025-33042
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote code execution when Apache Avro Java SDK processes untrusted Avro schemas. Attackers can inject malicious code that gets executed during specific record generation. All users of Apache Avro Java SDK through versions 1.11.4 and 1.12.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Apache Avro Java SDK
📦 What is this software?
Avro by Apache
Avro by Apache
Avro by Apache
Avro by Apache
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full remote code execution with the privileges of the Avro processing service, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Remote code execution allowing data theft, service disruption, or lateral movement within the environment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if schema validation and input sanitization are implemented, though risk remains without patching.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires crafting malicious Avro schemas and triggering specific record generation. No public exploit code available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.12.1 or 1.11.5
Vendor Advisory: https://lists.apache.org/thread/fy88wmgf1lj9479vrpt12cv8x73lroj1
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Identify all applications using Apache Avro Java SDK. 2. Update Maven/Gradle dependencies to version 1.12.1 or 1.11.5. 3. Rebuild and redeploy affected applications. 4. Test functionality with valid schemas.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Schema Validation and Sanitization
allImplement strict schema validation and sanitize all Avro schema inputs before processing.
Input Source Restriction
allRestrict Avro schema processing to trusted sources only and implement allowlisting for schema sources.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to isolate Avro processing services
- Deploy runtime application self-protection (RASP) to detect and block code injection attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Maven/Gradle dependencies for Apache Avro Java SDK versions 1.11.4 or earlier, or version 1.12.0.Check Version:
mvn dependency:tree | grep avro OR gradle dependencies | grep avroVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that Apache Avro Java SDK version is 1.12.1 or 1.11.5 in your application dependencies.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Java process spawning, unexpected file system modifications, or abnormal network connections from Avro processing services
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Avro services to unexpected destinations, especially during schema processing
SIEM Query:
source="avro-service" AND (process_spawn=true OR file_modification=true) WHERE schema_processing=true