Metabase Remote Code Execution Scanner

Metabase is a popular open-source data visualization and analytics tool used by organizations to transform data into insightful dashboards and reports. It simplifies accessing, analyzing, and sharing large datasets, often serving as a business intelligence solution for non-technical users. Deployed either on-premises or in the cloud, Metabase integrates with a wide variety of databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB, catering to different industries including finance, healthcare, and retail. Its user-friendly interface and robust features make it accessible to both small teams and large enterprises needing data-driven decisions. While Metabase offers extensive customization and scalability, it requires regular updates to address potential security vulnerabilities. With continuous enhancements, Metabase remains a powerful tool for distilling data insights and facilitating informed decision-making.

The Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in Metabase arises from the incomplete patch in Apache Log4j library, affecting non-default configurations. This vulnerability allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on the server by manipulating input data, leading to severe security risks. Exploiting this vulnerability can compromise the system, allowing unauthorized access or control over the application. The vulnerability highlights a significant security issue in Apache Log4j, emphasizing the importance of patch management. It is critical for Metabase installations relying on vulnerable versions of Log4j to address this flaw promptly. Proper configuration and timely updates are essential to safeguarding against such exploits.

The vulnerability is primarily associated with a specific endpoint in Metabase using the Apache Log4j library. By sending specially crafted requests to the '/api/geojson' endpoint, an attacker can trigger the JNDI lookup feature of Log4j. The payload exploits the JNDI injection path to execute arbitrary code remotely if the system is improperly configured. The interaction involves manipulating DNS requests to achieve the execution flow necessary for the exploit. Detecting such attempts requires monitoring for suspicious network activities, especially those correlated with JNDI access patterns. It's crucial for systems using vulnerable configurations to disable specific Log4j features, mitigating potential exploitation.

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands remotely. Such unauthorized access can result in data exfiltration, data modification, and potentially irreversible damage to the integrity of the application. Additionally, attackers could install persistent backdoors, enabling future unauthorized access without detection. The operational disruption caused by RCE could significantly impact business continuity, reputational harm, and financial losses. Therefore, it is essential to urgently patch affected systems and review access controls and monitoring mechanisms to prevent exploitation.

REFERENCES

• https://www.cybersecurity-help.cz/vdb/SB2021121706
• https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/security.html
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-44228