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Vulnerability record · CVE-2021-38296 · published 10 March 2022

CVE-2021-38296: Apache spark authentication bypass by capture-replay vulnerability

Apache · Spark

Apache Spark supports end-to-end encryption of RPC connections via "spark.authenticate" and "spark.network.crypto.enabled". In versions 3.1.2 and earlier, it uses a bespoke mutual authentication protocol that allows for full encryption key recovery. After an initial interactive attack, this would allow someone to decrypt plaintext traffic offline. Note that this does not affect security mechanisms controlled by "spark.authenticate.enableSaslEncryption", "spark.io.encryption.enabled", "spark.ssl", "spark.ui.strictTransportSecurity". Update to Apache Spark 3.1.3 or later

7.5 CVSS 3.1 High EPSS 1.8% · top 21.8% CWE-294 · Authentication bypass by capture-replay
7.5CVSS 3.1 base score, v2 5.0
1.8%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
2Affected product versions listed by NVD
4References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

Apache Spark supports end-to-end encryption of RPC connections via "spark.authenticate" and "spark.network.crypto.enabled". In versions 3.1.2 and earlier, it uses a bespoke mutual authentication protocol that allows for full encryption key recovery. After an initial interactive attack, this would allow someone to decrypt plaintext traffic offline. Note that this does not affect security mechanisms controlled by "spark.authenticate.enableSaslEncryption", "spark.io.encryption.enabled", "spark.ssl", "spark.ui.strictTransportSecurity". Update to Apache Spark 3.1.3 or later

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Affected products

2 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
https://lists.apache.org/thread/70x8fw2gx3g9ty7yk0f2f1dlpqml2smd Mailing ListVendor Advisory
https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujul2022.html PatchThird Party Advisory
https://lists.apache.org/thread/70x8fw2gx3g9ty7yk0f2f1dlpqml2smd Mailing ListVendor Advisory
https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujul2022.html PatchThird Party Advisory

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2021-38296), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.