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A newly discovered vulnerabilityâCVE-2025-30065âhas rocked the foundations of data processing infrastructures worldwide. This critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) flaw, found in the Java implementation of Apache Parquet, carries a maximum CVSS score of 10.0, marking it as one of the most severe threats in recent times. What makes it even more alarming is its potential to silently infiltrate critical systems through seemingly innocuous data files.
Apache Parquet is a widely adopted columnar storage format used by giants such as AWS, Google Cloud, Apache Spark, and companies like Netflix and Airbnb. The flaw lies in the parquet-avro module, where unsafe deserialization of Avro schemas opens the door for attackers to execute arbitrary code. The implications stretch far beyond typical security concernsâentire data pipelines could be compromised with a single, maliciously crafted file.
This isnât just another patch-it-later situation. F5 Labs has stepped up by releasing a âcanaryâ testing tool, allowing organizations to detect unpatched systems and validate fixes. As exploitation tools go public and the threat grows, organizations must act swiftly to upgrade their dependencies, harden deserialization practices, and audit their infrastructure. This vulnerability is not just a bugâit’s a wake-up call for the entire cloud and big data ecosystem.
Whatâs Happening with CVE-2025-30065: A 30-Line Deep Dive
A remote code execution vulnerability in Apache Parquetâs Java library has been identified.
Tagged as CVE-2025-30065, the flaw scores a perfect 10.0 CVSS, signaling maximum severity.
The root issue is tied to the parquet-avro moduleâs handling of untrusted Avro schema data.
Attackers can exploit this by embedding malicious Java class references in Parquet files.
If processed, these schemas can trigger arbitrary class instantiations, leading to potential code execution.
A key enabler is Java classes with constructors that take a single string parameter.
Although full RCE depends on the presence of exploitable classes in the classpath, data exfiltration and network calls are possible.
F5 Labs introduced a canary PoC tool to aid detection using the javax.swing.JEditorKit class.
This benign tool sends an HTTP GET request, signaling unpatched exposure.
It helps verify that environments are updated to Apache Parquet 1.15.1 or higher.
The vulnerability threatens cloud platforms and analytics systems that automatically ingest external Parquet files.
Particularly risky for enterprises that rely on automated pipelines with minimal human oversight.
Despite requiring certain classpath conditions, attackers may still perform scouting or reconnaissance.
Exploits are already public, which increases the urgency of defensive action.
Organizations are advised to restrict deserialization using `SERIALIZABLE_PACKAGES`.
Avoiding wildcard entries and sandboxing data processing are vital additional layers of defense.
Major risk factors include public exploit availability and dependency complexity in modern data stacks.
Legacy systems and transitive dependencies could still harbor the vulnerable component.
F5âs canary helps detect these hidden weak points.
Attack surface is considered high due to Parquetâs ubiquity.
Mitigation effectiveness is rated high, provided recommended settings are enforced.
Patch difficulty is moderate, especially in environments with nested dependencies.
Apacheâs recommendation is a straight upgrade to v1.15.1 or newer.
Data ingestion workflows should be isolated and closely monitored.
Network intrusion detection can help spot anomalous traffic from canary triggers.
Even though exploitation
This incident highlights the need for better dependency hygiene and regular audits.
It also underscores the risk of silent vulnerabilities in popular open-source tools.
With players like Netflix, Airbnb, and AWS impacted, this is a global-scale issue.
Enterprises should assume theyâre at risk and move quickly to verify patch coverage.
A major takeaway: security in data processing must evolve as fast as the tools themselves.
What Undercode Say:
This incident is another textbook case of how insecure deserialization continues to be a gaping hole in enterprise software ecosystems, especially in Java-based infrastructures. Apache Parquet’s parquet-avro module is essential for bridging data formats in modern analytical workflowsâbut it’s also the perfect attack vector when improperly guarded.
What makes CVE-2025-30065 particularly dangerous isnât just its technical eleganceâitâs the invisibility of its delivery method. Parquet files are common, routinely exchanged across networks, and often trusted implicitly by automated systems. The flaw allows attackers to exploit Java’s reflection capabilities to instantiate arbitrary classes, provided there’s a suitable constructor. This turns an innocuous-looking file into a potential remote weapon.
F5
From an architectural standpoint, this event underscores the critical importance of deserialization controls in any data-heavy stack. Relying solely on version upgrades is no longer enough. Organizations must define clear boundaries on what classes can be instantiated during deserialization, validate file inputs at the edge, and treat every externally-sourced file as hostile by default.
There’s also an operational angle worth noting. Given the widespread use of cloud-native services and microservices that share storage systems, a vulnerable component in one pipeline could spill over to other services. In essence, the blast radius of this vulnerability isn’t confined to a single machineâit spans distributed architectures.
While some argue that exploitation is difficult due to the need for a vulnerable class in the classpath, itâs a weak shield. Advanced adversaries can craft Parquet files that perform environmental fingerprinting or even deliver secondary payloads once they detect the environment is ripe.
In short, CVE-2025-30065 is not just a
Mitigation
As attackers become more adept at exploiting overlooked paths, defenders must become just as proactive in closing them. This means elevating open-source hygiene from an afterthought to a primary concern.
Fact Checker Results
CVE-2025-30065 is confirmed with a CVSS 10.0 score and impacts Apache Parquetâs Java library.
F5 Labs has released a valid PoC tool demonstrating safe exploit via javax.swing.JEditorKit.
Apache has officially released version 1.15.1 to address the vulnerability.
Prediction
As open-source components continue to power enterprise data systems, we anticipate a rise in attacks targeting low-level data serialization mechanisms. CVE-2025-30065 is likely the first of many similar flaws to be exposed in data processing libraries. Expect increased scrutiny of data formats like Avro, ORC, and Parquet, and a push toward secure-by-default configurations and dependency scanning automation across CI/CD pipelines. The next frontier in cybersecurity will be securing the data infrastructure itselfânot just the apps that run on top of it.
References:
Reported By: cyberpress.org
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