CVE-2025-53648: SQL Misconfiguration in Apache Gravitino UI – MEDIUM Severity

Technical summary

CVE-2025-53648 stems from improper SQL query construction in the Gravitino UI layer, classified as CWE-89 (SQL Injection). The vulnerability permits authenticated users to manipulate SQL commands in a way that enables unauthorized file system access, specifically file reading and truncation operations. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity, requiring only standard user privileges and no user interaction. The CVSS 3.1 vector (5.4 MEDIUM, AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N) reflects confidentiality and integrity impacts without availability loss.

Business impact

An insider threat or compromised user account can access sensitive data stored or referenced through the Gravitino database layer, or delete files to disrupt operations. Organizations relying on Gravitino for data catalog and metadata management face potential data exfiltration, compliance violations, and service interruption. The damage scope is limited to authenticated sessions, reducing—but not eliminating—organizational risk.

Affected systems

Apache Gravitino versions 1.0.0 and below are vulnerable. This includes any deployment running the open-source Gravitino project in those versions. Systems with direct network exposure to the UI, combined with weak authentication hygiene, face elevated risk.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires valid Gravitino UI credentials and network access to the UI endpoint. No special tools or complex attack chains are needed—standard SQL manipulation techniques apply. The low complexity and lack of user interaction requirements make this straightforward for any authenticated attacker, though the prerequisite of valid credentials significantly raises the barrier compared to unauthenticated flaws.

Remediation

Upgrade to Apache Gravitino version 1.0.0 or later, which patches the SQL misconfiguration. If immediate patching is not feasible, restrict network access to the Gravitino UI to trusted IP ranges, enforce strong authentication policies, and monitor database query logs for suspicious patterns. Consider disabling file-system-level access through Gravitino until patches are applied.

Patch guidance

Check the Apache Gravitino release notes and advisory for version 1.0.0 or higher to confirm the patch. Verify your current deployed version against the Apache Gravitino project's official release page. Test the upgrade in a non-production environment first to ensure compatibility with dependent applications and data pipelines. Apply updates during a maintenance window to avoid service interruption.

Detection guidance

Monitor Gravitino UI authentication logs for suspicious login patterns or failed credential attempts. Review database query logs for unusual SQL syntax or file-access operations originating from the UI layer. Implement alerting on file read/delete operations executed by Gravitino service accounts. Network detection should flag any anomalous database traffic from the Gravitino UI service.

Why prioritize this

Although CVSS scores this as MEDIUM severity, organizations should treat this as a moderate-to-high priority given the authentication requirement is often weak in internal tools and the impact includes both data exfiltration and destruction. Prioritize patching if your Gravitino deployment is internet-facing or accessible to untrusted networks. Lower priority if access is strictly internal and authentication is enforced robustly.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.4 MEDIUM reflects the requirement for authenticated access (PR:L), which significantly reduces severity compared to an unauthenticated SQL injection. However, the combination of confidentiality and integrity impacts, plus network accessibility and low attack complexity, places this in the medium band. Organizations with strong access controls may see lower practical risk; those with permissive user accounts or lateral movement risk should elevate their response priority.

Frequently asked questions