Apache Kafka Connect API - RCE (CVE-2023-25194)

CVE-2023-25194 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Apache Kafka Connect API that allows authenticated operators to exploit the JndiLoginModule via connector configuration, potentially leading to remote code execution through unsafe Java deserialization. Attackers with access to modify connector settings can leverage this flaw to connect to malicious LDAP servers and execute arbitrary code on the Kafka Connect server, posing significant risks to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

CrowdSec has been tracking this vulnerability and its exploits since 19th of August 2025.

According to CrowdSec data, while opportunistic exploitation dominates, a portion of threat actors trying to exploit CVE-2023-25194 apply basic targeting methods such as port or service detection. This indicates emerging patterns of selective targeting. Additionally, according to week-over-week analysis by CrowdSec, exploitation of CVE-2023-25194 is surging. Attack volumes are spiking well above historical norms, indicating widespread and escalating interest from threat actors. CVE-2023-25194 is currently experiencing high visibility and active exploitation across the internet.

Attackers exploit the Apache Druid Kafka Connect REST API by sending crafted POST requests to the /druid/indexer/v1/sampler?for=connect endpoint, embedding malicious JNDI payloads in the JSON body to trigger remote code execution via unsafe deserialization.