Apache InLong JDBC Vulnerability Enables Deserialization of Untrusted Data

A moderate-severity vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-27522, has been disclosed in Apache InLong, a popular data integration platform.

The flaw, affecting versions 1.13.0 through 2.1.0, centers on the deserialization of untrusted data during JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) verification processing.

This vulnerability is classified as a secondary mining bypass for the previously reported CVE-2024-26579, indicating that earlier patches were insufficient and attackers can still exploit the system through alternative vectors.

Deserialization vulnerabilities occur when an application processes data that can be manipulated by an attacker, allowing them to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive information.

In this case, the vulnerability allows threat actors to bypass security mechanisms in the InLong JDBC component, potentially leading to unauthorized data manipulation or information disclosure.

Technical Details and Impact

The vulnerability is rooted in the way Apache InLong handles serialized data during verification.

Specifically, the system fails to adequately validate or sanitize incoming serialized objects, opening the door for attackers to craft malicious payloads.

When these payloads are deserialized, they can trigger unintended behaviors, such as arbitrary file reading or code execution.

The Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) identifier for this issue is CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data.

The vulnerability is network-exploitable and does not require user interaction, with a CVSS v3.1 base score estimated between 5.3 and 6.5, reflecting a moderate to high risk profile.

Although there is currently no public proof-of-concept or evidence of active exploitation, the potential for data breaches or system compromise remains significant.

Affected Versions and Components

The following table summarizes the affected products and recommended remediation steps:

Mitigation and Recommendations

To address CVE-2025-27522, Apache advises all users to upgrade to version 2.2.0 of InLong or apply the patch available in GitHub pull request #11732.

Additional best practices include:

• Implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all deserialization processes.
• Restricting and validating sources of serialized data.
• Monitoring and auditing system logs for signs of exploitation attempts.

Sample Code Snippet for Safe Deserialization

Below is a simplified Java example for safe deserialization, emphasizing input validation:

javaObjectInputStream ois = new ObjectInputStream(new FileInputStream("input.ser"));
Object obj = ois.readObject();
if (obj instanceof ExpectedClass) {
    // Safe to proceed
    ExpectedClass data = (ExpectedClass) obj;
} else {
    throw new SecurityException("Unexpected object type!");
}
ois.close();

This approach ensures only expected object types are processed, reducing the risk of arbitrary code execution.

Urgent Need for Patch Adoption

CVE-2025-27522 underscores the persistent risks associated with deserialization vulnerabilities in enterprise software.

While no active exploits have been reported, the ease of network-based attacks and the bypass of previous security mechanisms make prompt patching essential.

Organizations relying on Apache InLong should prioritize upgrading to version 2.2.0 or applying the recommended patch to safeguard their data pipelines and maintain compliance with best security practices.

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