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Vulnerability record · CVE-2023-22946 · published 17 April 2023

CVE-2023-22946: Apache spark improper privilege management vulnerability

Apache · Spark

In Apache Spark versions prior to 3.4.0, applications using spark-submit can specify a 'proxy-user' to run as, limiting privileges. The application can execute code with the privileges of the submitting user, however, by providing malicious configuration-related classes on the classpath. This affects architectures relying on proxy-user, for example those using Apache Livy to manage submitted applications. Update to Apache Spark 3.4.0 or later, and ensure that spark.submit.proxyUser.allowCustomClasspathInClusterMode is set to its default of "false", and is not overridden by submitted applications.

9.9 CVSS 3.1 Critical EPSS 1.1% · top 35.5% CWE-269 · Improper privilege management
9.9CVSS 3.1 base score
1.1%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
1Affected product versions listed by NVD
2References
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

In Apache Spark versions prior to 3.4.0, applications using spark-submit can specify a 'proxy-user' to run as, limiting privileges. The application can execute code with the privileges of the submitting user, however, by providing malicious configuration-related classes on the classpath. This affects architectures relying on proxy-user, for example those using Apache Livy to manage submitted applications. Update to Apache Spark 3.4.0 or later, and ensure that spark.submit.proxyUser.allowCustomClasspathInClusterMode is set to its default of "false", and is not overridden by submitted applications.

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

Affected products

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

References

LinkTags
https://lists.apache.org/thread/yllfl25xh5tbotjmg93zrq4bzwhqc0gv Mailing ListVendor Advisory
https://lists.apache.org/thread/yllfl25xh5tbotjmg93zrq4bzwhqc0gv Mailing ListVendor Advisory

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Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2023-22946), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-27). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.