CVE-2024-23833 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) affecting OpenRefine versions prior to 3.7.8. OpenRefine is an open-source tool widely used for cleaning and transforming messy data. The vulnerability arises from improper limitation of pathname inputs in the JDBC query interface, allowing an unauthenticated remote attacker to craft malicious JDBC queries that can read arbitrary files on the host filesystem where OpenRefine is running. Although the vulnerability does not enable remote code execution due to the updated MySQL driver in later versions, it still allows unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files, which can include configuration files, credentials, or other critical data. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without any authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The issue was fixed in OpenRefine version 3.7.8 by addressing the path traversal flaw. There are no known workarounds, so upgrading is the only effective remediation. No exploits are currently known in the wild, but the vulnerability's characteristics make it a significant risk for organizations using vulnerable OpenRefine versions, especially in environments where sensitive data is processed or stored.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality. OpenRefine is often used in data analytics, research, and business intelligence contexts, where sensitive or regulated data may be processed. Unauthorized file disclosure could lead to exposure of personal data protected under GDPR, intellectual property, or internal credentials, potentially resulting in compliance violations, reputational damage, and financial penalties. Since the vulnerability does not require authentication and can be exploited remotely, attackers could leverage it to gain insights into the target environment or prepare further attacks. The lack of integrity or availability impact reduces the immediate operational disruption risk, but the confidentiality breach alone is critical. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, research institutions, and government agencies in Europe, which rely on OpenRefine for data processing, are particularly at risk.

The primary and only effective mitigation is to upgrade OpenRefine to version 3.7.8 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Organizations should audit their environments to identify any deployments of OpenRefine, especially those exposed to untrusted networks. If immediate upgrade is not feasible, restrict network access to OpenRefine instances using firewalls or VPNs to limit exposure. Implement strict monitoring and logging of OpenRefine usage to detect suspicious JDBC queries or unusual file access patterns. Additionally, review and harden file system permissions to minimize the impact of any unauthorized file reads. Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests focusing on OpenRefine instances to ensure no residual exposure remains. Finally, educate developers and data analysts on the risks of using outdated software versions and the importance of timely patching.