How to remediate – Apache Druid Detection

1. Introduction

Apache Druid Detection indicates that the Apache Druid service is installed on a remote host. Apache Druid is a high-performance, real-time analytics database often used for event data processing and querying. Its presence can indicate potential exposure of sensitive data if not properly secured. A successful exploit could lead to data breaches, denial of service, or unauthorized access.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability lies in the installation of the Apache Druid console user interface, which provides a web-based management and query tool. This UI is accessible via HTTP(S) and may be exposed to remote networks if not properly configured. Attackers can potentially exploit default credentials or known vulnerabilities within the Druid console to gain unauthorized access to the database. There are no known CVEs associated with simply having the service installed, but misconfigurations are a common attack vector. An attacker could use the UI to execute arbitrary queries and extract sensitive data.

• Root cause: The Apache Druid console is installed and potentially accessible without strong authentication or network restrictions.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker attempts to access the Druid console via a web browser, using default credentials or attempting brute-force attacks. If successful, they can execute queries against the database.
• Scope: All systems running Apache Druid with an exposed console are affected.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming the presence of the Apache Druid service is the first step in assessing vulnerability. You can use network scanning tools or directly check for the running process on the host.

• Quick checks: Use netstat -tulnp | grep druid to see if any processes are listening on ports commonly used by Druid (e.g., 8082, 8888).
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16453 can detect Apache Druid installations. This is an example only and may require updates.
• Logs and evidence: Check web server logs for requests to paths associated with the Druid console (e.g., /console, /druid).

netstat -tulnp | grep druid

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The primary solution is to secure access to the Apache Druid console or remove it if not needed. This involves configuring strong authentication, restricting network access, and keeping the service up-to-date.

4.1 Preparation

• Services: Stop the Apache Druid service if possible to minimize disruption during configuration changes.
• Rollback: Revert any configuration changes if issues arise, and restart the service.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Configure strong authentication for the Druid console using a robust password policy or multi-factor authentication.
2. Step 2: Restrict network access to the Druid console using firewalls or security groups, allowing only authorized IP addresses or networks.
3. Step 3: Review and update the Druid configuration file (druid.conf) to ensure secure settings are in place.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

# druid.conf (example - insecure default)
auth.type: basic

After

# druid.conf (example - secure configuration)
auth.type: kerberos # or ldap, etc.
security.user.password.complexity.enabled: true
security.user.password.min.length: 12

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help prevent exploitation of Apache Druid. These include least privilege, network segmentation, and regular patching.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – limit user access to only the data and functions they need.
• Practice 2: Network segmentation – isolate the Druid service from other systems on the network.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# Example Ansible task to update druid.conf (example only, requires adaptation)
- name: Update druid.conf with secure settings
  copy:
    src: /path/to/secure_druid.conf
    dest: /opt/druid/conf/druid.conf
    owner: druid
    group: druid
    mode: 0644
  notify: Restart Druid service

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by verifying that strong authentication is enabled and network access is restricted. Test access with invalid credentials and from unauthorized networks.

• Post-fix check: Attempt to access the Druid console using default or weak credentials; access should be denied.
• Re-test: Re-run the netstat command to confirm that the service is still running but inaccessible without proper authentication and network authorization.
• Smoke test: Verify that authorized users can still access and query data through the console.
• Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for failed login attempts or unauthorized access attempts.

netstat -tulnp | grep druid

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Regularly update security baselines to include Apache Druid configurations, and add checks in CI/CD pipelines to prevent insecure deployments.

• Baselines: Update a security baseline or policy to require strong authentication for all web applications, including Apache Druid.
• Pipelines: Add static code analysis (SAST) tools to your CI pipeline to identify potential vulnerabilities in configuration files.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

• Roll back: Revert the changes made to the druid.conf file and restart the Druid service. Restore the previous network access rules if necessary.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: Apache Druid Security Documentation