A critical security vulnerability has been identified in Apache Parquet’s Java Library, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Apache Parquet, an open-source columnar storage file format, is widely used for efficient data processing and retrieval, supporting complex data structures and high-performance compression. This format is integral to numerous data processing frameworks and analytics platforms.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability, designated as CVE-2025-30065, has been assigned a maximum CVSS score of 10.0, indicating its severity. The issue resides in the schema parsing functionality of the `parquet-avro` module within Apache Parquet versions up to and including 1.15.0. Exploitation of this flaw requires an attacker to craft a malicious Parquet file that, when processed by a vulnerable system, triggers arbitrary code execution.
Potential Impact
Systems that import and process Parquet files, especially those from external or untrusted sources, are at significant risk. Data pipelines and analytics systems that rely on Apache Parquet for data storage and processing could be compromised if they ingest maliciously crafted files. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and further exploitation within the affected environment.
Mitigation Measures
To address this vulnerability, users are strongly advised to upgrade to Apache Parquet version 1.15.1, which contains the necessary patches. Organizations should also review their data ingestion processes to ensure that Parquet files are sourced from trusted entities. Implementing strict validation and sanitization procedures for incoming data can further mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Broader Context
This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of securing data processing components within modern data architectures. Apache Parquet’s widespread adoption means that vulnerabilities within its libraries can have far-reaching implications. The discovery of CVE-2025-30065 follows a series of security issues in Apache projects, highlighting the need for continuous vigilance and prompt patching practices.
Conclusion
The identification of CVE-2025-30065 in Apache Parquet’s Java Library serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with processing data from untrusted sources. Organizations must prioritize the timely application of security updates and adopt comprehensive data validation strategies to safeguard their systems against such vulnerabilities.
