CVE-2024-24780 is a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting Apache IoTDB versions from 1.0.0 up to, but not including, 1.3.4. Apache IoTDB is an open-source time-series database designed for Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios, enabling efficient storage and analysis of large volumes of time-series data. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of user-defined functions (UDFs) that can be registered from untrusted URIs. Specifically, an attacker with privileges to create UDFs can register a malicious function by referencing an untrusted URI, which leads to execution of arbitrary code on the server hosting IoTDB. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code), indicating that the system allows execution of code that an attacker can influence. The CVSS v3.1 score is 9.8 (critical), reflecting the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with no privileges or user interaction required, and exploitable remotely over the network. The flaw allows an attacker to fully compromise the affected system, potentially leading to data theft, data manipulation, or disruption of IoTDB services. The issue was fixed in Apache IoTDB version 1.3.4, and users are strongly advised to upgrade to this or later versions to mitigate the risk. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the severity and ease of exploitation make this a significant threat to organizations using vulnerable versions of Apache IoTDB.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially for those relying on Apache IoTDB for managing IoT data in critical infrastructure, manufacturing, smart cities, energy management, or healthcare sectors. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, enabling attackers to steal sensitive time-series data, manipulate data integrity, disrupt monitoring and control systems, or use the compromised system as a foothold for lateral movement within the network. Given the increasing adoption of IoT solutions across Europe, this vulnerability poses risks to operational continuity and data confidentiality. Organizations handling critical or regulated data may face compliance issues and reputational damage if exploited. Furthermore, disruption of IoTDB services can affect real-time analytics and decision-making processes, potentially impacting safety and efficiency in industrial and public services.

1. Immediate upgrade to Apache IoTDB version 1.3.4 or later, which contains the fix for this vulnerability. 2. Restrict the privilege to create UDFs strictly to trusted administrators and monitor the use of UDF registration closely. 3. Implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to IoTDB management interfaces, reducing exposure to untrusted networks. 4. Employ application-layer controls to validate and sanitize any inputs related to UDF registration, if custom modifications are in place. 5. Conduct regular audits and monitoring of IoTDB logs to detect any unauthorized UDF registrations or suspicious activities. 6. Integrate vulnerability scanning and patch management processes specifically targeting IoT and time-series database components. 7. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block exploitation attempts in real time.