Description

Missing Authentication in Apache Ranger Download APIs on versions <= 2.8.0. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 2.9.0, which fixes this issue.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "7.5",
  "pubDate": "2026-08-10T11:17:26.790Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-08-10T11:17:26.790Z",
  "executiveSummary": "A missing authentication vulnerability has been identified within the download APIs of Apache Ranger versions <= 2.8.0. This security flaw introduces significant risk implications by allowing unauthorized network-based threat actors to interact directly with sensitive endpoint functionalities without requiring prior validation of user identity or session establishment. The lack of proper access controls on the targeted download components means that unauthenticated attackers can leverage these interfaces directly, potentially leading to unauthorized data retrieval and exposure of critical system assets managed by the platform. The overall impact compromises the confidentiality guarantees of the affected deployment. Remediation requires immediate administrative action to address the insecure API handlers. To resolve this exposure completely, system administrators and security personnel are officially recommended to upgrade the Apache Ranger deployment to version 2.9.0, which contains the necessary security fixes implemented by the vendor to enforce proper authentication checks on the vulnerable download endpoints.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability stems from an absence of adequate access control enforcement and missing authentication checks within the download APIs of Apache Ranger versions <= 2.8.0. The vulnerable component consists of the specific endpoint handlers responsible for processing file and data retrieval requests via the platform's download functionality. In a standard secure implementation, these API routes are designed to validate session tokens, JSON Web Tokens (JWT), or alternative credentials before servicing requests. However, in the affected versions, the application fails to verify whether the incoming HTTP request originates from an authenticated and authorized user principal.\nRegarding attack vectors and network exposure, the affected APIs are exposed over the network, allowing remote attackers to interact directly with the vulnerable endpoints without possessing any prior credentials or privileged access levels. The exploitation method relies on crafting and submitting direct HTTP requests to the unprotected download API routes. Upon receiving the request, the underlying application logic processes the input parameters and initiates the file retrieval or data export process without performing security context validations.\nThe step-by-step attack flow proceeds as follows: First, the reconnaissance phase involves identifying the deployment of Apache Ranger and locating the specific download API endpoints through directory enumeration or publicly available routing definitions. Second, the attacker formulates a crafted HTTP GET or POST request targeting the vulnerable download handler. Third, the Apache Ranger server receives the unauthenticated request and routes it directly to the vulnerable function without enforcing an authentication filter or interceptor. Fourth, the server executes the data retrieval routine, gathering the requested information or files from the underlying storage or database. Fifth, the application responds to the client with the requested payload, granting unauthorized access to sensitive data and successfully concluding the exploit cycle without generating standard authentication failure logs."
}