CVE-2018-11770
MediumExploitedPublic exploitorg.apache.spark:spark-core_2.10 and org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11 Improper Authentication vulnerability
Published Nov 9, 2018 · Updated Jul 8, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-w4r4-65mg-45x2
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2018-11770 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 4.2 v3.1) affecting Spark (Apache), org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.10 (maven), org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11 (maven) and 4 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jan 31, 2026. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 66% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Spark 2.4.0, org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11 2.3.1+sp999, seal.sp1.org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11 2.3.1+sp999.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
4.2
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
66%
Higher than 99.2% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
From version 1.3.0 onward, Apache Spark's standalone master exposes a REST API for job submission, in addition to the submission mechanism used by spark-submit. In standalone, the config property 'spark.authenticate.secret' establishes a shared secret for authenticating requests to submit jobs via spark-submit. However, the REST API does not use this or any other authentication mechanism, and this is not adequately documented. In this case, a user would be able to run a driver program without authenticating, but not launch executors, using the REST API. This REST API is also used by Mesos, when set up to run in cluster mode (i.e., when also running MesosClusterDispatcher), for job submission. Future versions of Spark will improve documentation on these points, and prohibit setting 'spark.authenticate.secret' when running the REST APIs, to make this clear. Future versions will also disable the REST API by default in the standalone master by changing the default value of 'spark.master.rest.enabled' to 'false'.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Jan 31, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
9 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| SparkApache | >= 1.3.0 | 2.4.0 |
| org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.10maven | >= 1.0.0 | n/a |
| org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11maven | >= 1.0.0 | 2.3.1+sp999 |
| seal.sp1.org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11seal | See advisory | 2.3.1+sp999 |
| seal.sp2.org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11seal | See advisory | 2.3.1+sp999 |
Patched Releases
Spark
2.4.0
org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11
2.3.1+sp999
seal.sp1.org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11
2.3.1+sp999, 2.3.2+sp999
seal.sp2.org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11
2.3.1+sp999
seal.sp2p2.org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11
2.3.2+sp999
seal.sp3p3.org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11
2.3.2+sp999
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 9, 2018
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jan 31, 2026
Last updated
Jul 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-287 Improper Authentication
- CWE-306 Missing Authentication for Critical Function
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisory[dev] 20180813 CVE-2018-11770: Apache Spark standalone master, Mesos REST APIs not controlled by authentication
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-11770
- advisory105097
- exploitMSF spark_unauth_rce.rb
FAQ
Common Questions.
From version 1.3.0 onward, Apache Spark's standalone master exposes a REST API for job submission, in addition to the submission mechanism used by spark-submit.
Affected: Spark (Apache) versions >= 1.3.0; org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.10 (maven) versions >= 1.0.0; org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11 (maven) versions >= 1.0.0, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jan 31, 2026.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Spark 2.4.0, org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11 2.3.1+sp999, seal.sp1.org.apache.spark:spark-core_2.11 2.3.1+sp999.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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