F5 Labs has released a proof-of-concept (PoC) tool named Canary Exploit to identify servers vulnerable to the critical Apache Parquet flaw (CVE-2025-30065). The vulnerability, affecting the parquet-avro Java library, enables remote code execution (RCE) through schema parsing flaws. The tool, now available on GitHub, allows administrators to detect unpatched instances without triggering exploitation.
Vulnerability Overview
CVE-2025-30065 is a critical flaw in Apache Parquet’s Java library, specifically the parquet-avro module. The vulnerability stems from improper schema parsing, which can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code remotely. Initial reports surfaced on April 4, 2025, with F5 Labs confirming the exploitability via their Canary tool on May 6, 2025. The CVSS score is pending, but the RCE impact warrants immediate attention.
The Canary Exploit tool performs non-destructive scans to identify vulnerable systems. Its GitHub repository includes documentation on deployment and interpretation of results. According to F5 Labs, the tool is designed for defensive use, though its release also signals offensive potential.
Technical Details and Mitigation
The vulnerability exploits schema parsing in Apache Parquet’s Java implementation. Attackers can craft malicious schemas to trigger RCE, making unpatched servers high-risk targets. F5 Labs’ tool checks for vulnerable configurations by simulating schema validation without executing payloads.
Mitigation steps include:
- Upgrading to the latest Apache Parquet version (specific patch TBD).
- Restricting network access to Parquet services.
- Monitoring logs for anomalous schema parsing attempts.
Administrators are advised to scan systems immediately using the Canary Exploit tool. The Apache Parquet team is expected to release patches soon, but interim measures like network segmentation are critical.
Relevance to Security Teams
For defensive teams, the Canary tool provides a proactive way to identify exposure. Red teams may use the same methodology to assess attack surfaces, though F5 emphasizes its non-destructive design. The release underscores the importance of monitoring third-party library vulnerabilities, particularly in data-processing pipelines.
Security researchers have noted parallels with past Java deserialization flaws, highlighting the need for rigorous input validation in schema-driven systems. The availability of a public PoC increases the urgency for patching.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-30065 represents a significant threat to systems using Apache Parquet, with RCE capabilities and public detection tools now available. Organizations should prioritize scanning and mitigation to prevent exploitation. Future updates from Apache and additional community analysis will refine defensive strategies.
References
- F5 Labs, “Canary Exploit Tool for CVE-2025-30065,” May 6, 2025.
- Security Affairs, “PoC Tool Released for Apache Parquet Flaw,” May 7, 2025.
- BleepingComputer, “Apache Parquet Exploit Tool Detects Vulnerable Servers,” May 6, 2025.
- The Hacker News, “Critical Flaw in Apache Parquet Allows RCE,” April 4, 2025.
- AppSec Now Podcast, Interview with Malcolm Heath (F5 Labs), April 29, 2025.
