A critical security flaw has been uncovered in the Java Library of Apache Parquet, identified as CVE-2025-30065. This vulnerability, if exploited successfully, could enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems that are vulnerable. The threat affects all versions of Apache Parquet up to and including version 1.15.0. The root of the issue lies within the parquet-avro module, where inadequate schema parsing opens the door for attackers to exploit the vulnerability. This flaw has been rated with a CVSS score of 10.0, categorizing it as highly severe. Keyi Li from Amazon was credited with discovering and reporting the flaw, prompting Apache to release a fix in version 1.15.1.
By taking advantage of the vulnerability, attackers can manipulate Parquet files in a way that allows them to execute arbitrary code when these files are processed by the affected system. This manipulation involves crafting malicious Parquet files and then deceiving vulnerable systems into processing them, ultimately giving the attackers control over the system. This could pose significant risks, especially for data pipelines and analytics systems that handle Parquet files obtained from untrusted or external sources. The potential for remote code execution opens the door to unauthorized access and complete compromise of the system.
Despite no documented cases of active exploitation thus far, the severity of this vulnerability cannot be understated, given its potential for widespread impact. Systems primarily reliant on Apache Parquet for managing and analyzing large datasets are most at risk. Considering the prevalence of Parquet files in industries dealing with sensitive data like financial services and healthcare, the exploitation of this vulnerability could have severe repercussions, ranging from data breach to loss of data integrity and system downtime. To address this risk, the Apache team strongly advises users of versions up to 1.15.0 to promptly upgrade to version 1.15.1 as a precautionary measure.
This disclosure forms part of a concerning trend where attackers are increasingly targeting vulnerabilities in widely utilized software platforms. Similar instances of vulnerabilities being actively exploited have been observed in other popular projects, such as Apache Tomcat, which faced its own critical vulnerability that was promptly exploited post-disclosure. As a result, organizations are advised to prioritize the deployment of timely updates and patches to minimize the risks associated with such vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the security vulnerability in Apache Parquet’s Java Library poses a significant threat to systems processing Parquet files. The potential for remote code execution could have severe consequences for industries relying on sensitive data, necessitating immediate action in upgrading to the patched version to safeguard against potential exploitation. The collaborative efforts of security researchers and software developers remain crucial in identifying and mitigating such vulnerabilities to uphold the integrity and security of IT systems worldwide.