ClickHouse Unauthenticated Access Scanner

This scanner detects the ClickHouse unauthorized access in digital assets. It identifies instances where ClickHouse allows access without requiring authentication, potentially risking unauthorized data retrieval and manipulation. It's essential for maintaining secure access controls in environments utilizing ClickHouse.

Short Info


Level

High

Single Scan

Single Scan

Can be used by

Asset Owner

Estimated Time

10 seconds

Time Interval

22 days 21 hours

Scan only one

Domain, IPv4, Subdomain

Toolbox

-

ClickHouse is an open-source columnar database management system designed for online analytical processing. It is used by organizations needing efficient data handling and fast querying capabilities, commonly in high-traffic environments and big data applications. Enterprises, financial institutions, and tech companies deploy it for real-time analytics and data processing. The software enables complex SQL queries on large datasets, supporting data-driven decision-making. Its high performance and efficiency make it preferred for systems needing to handle petabytes of data. ClickHouse is commonly integrated into data platforms and business intelligence systems.

Unauthenticated access is a critical vulnerability where attackers can gain access to a system without any user verification. Such vulnerabilities expose sensitive data and functions to unauthorized users, potentially leading to data breaches. This type of security flaw exists when there are missing or misconfigured authentication mechanisms. In the case of ClickHouse, unauthorized access allows intruders to interact with the database without credentials. This vulnerability can result from oversight in configuring access controls. Detection and mitigation are crucial to prevent exploitation.

Technically, the vulnerability arises when the ClickHouse instance is not configured to demand proper authentication. This typically results from default settings or misconfigurations left in the deployment. Attackers can connect to the ClickHouse server using network protocols without providing credentials. In the template, the connection is established over TCP on the specified port, checking for successful access indications. Analyzing incoming packets reveals if the access is granted without authentication. Such testing scripts mimic attacker behavior, verifying the absence of protective layers.

The effects of exploiting this vulnerability can be severe. Attackers gaining unauthorized access to ClickHouse could perform read and write operations, leading to potential data leaks or unauthorized data manipulation. Sensitive information can be exposed, compromising user privacy and the security of business operations. Moreover, attackers might delete or alter crucial data, impacting data integrity and causing financial or reputational damage. System uptime and reliability could be jeopardized through unauthorized actions that alter server behavior or configuration. Immediate action is required to mitigate these risks effectively.

REFERENCES

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