CVE-2021-38296
In versions 3.1.2 and earlier, it uses a bespoke mutual authentication protocol that allows for full encryption key recovery.
Does this matter?
High impact if exploited, but EPSS currently rates exploitation as unlikely (1.85%). Schedule it in the normal patch cycle and watch for a rise in EPSS or a public exploit.
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
- 7.5 HIGHCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
- EPSS
- 1.85% probability · 79th percentile
- Public exploits
- None in Exploit-DB
- CISA KEV
- Not listed
- Weakness
- CWE-294
- Affected
- apache/spark · oracle/financial services crime and compliance management studio
- Source
- security@apache.org
EPSS 1.8% since 26 October 2026; no change recorded yet. Points are recorded when the score first appears and whenever it moves by a percentage point or more.
References
- https://lists.apache.org/thread/70x8fw2gx3g9ty7yk0f2f1dlpqml2smdMailing List, Vendor Advisory
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujul2022.htmlPatch, Third Party Advisory
- https://lists.apache.org/thread/70x8fw2gx3g9ty7yk0f2f1dlpqml2smdMailing List, Vendor Advisory
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujul2022.htmlPatch, Third Party Advisory
Source: NVD record, EPSS from FIRST.org, KEV from CISA, exploits from Exploit-DB. Refreshed daily. Download this record as JSON.