A significant security vulnerability has been identified in Apache NiFi, a platform widely used for automating data flows. This flaw, classified as high-severity, permits unauthorized access to restricted components, potentially allowing users with lower privileges to alter critical configurations.
Details of the Vulnerability
The vulnerability, officially tracked as CVE-2026-25903, affects Apache NiFi versions 1.1.0 through 2.7.2. The issue has been resolved in version 2.8.0. According to a security advisory from Apache NiFi, the problem stems from insufficient authorization checks when updating configuration properties of components marked as restricted.
These restricted components are designed to require additional privileges, ensuring that only authorized users can make changes to sensitive processing logic within data flows. However, the flaw in the authorization model could allow a less privileged user to modify these components after they have been added by a user with the necessary permissions.
Potential Impact of Exploitation
Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized modifications in data flow configurations, execution of unsafe commands, or alteration of process logic—particularly concerning for environments that depend heavily on restricted components. The Apache Project Management Committee has classified this vulnerability as high severity based on its CVSS score.
The risk of exploitation varies depending on how authorization levels are set up within a particular environment. Installations lacking distinct privilege levels for restricted components are more vulnerable to such unauthorized changes.
Recommendations and Mitigation
Apache NiFi users are strongly advised to upgrade to version 2.8.0 or later to ensure robust authorization measures are in place. This update addresses the authorization bypass issue, reinforcing security for all restricted component updates.
Apache encourages the responsible reporting of vulnerabilities through its private security mailing list, urging users to avoid public disclosure of technical details until a verified fix is available. This practice helps in preventing the exploitation of unpatched systems.
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