Critical CVE-2025-30065 Apache Parquet Exploit Tool Unleashed: What It Means & How to Stay Secure

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The Apache Parquet Exploit: A New Security Alarm

Security researchers from F5 Labs have publicly released a powerful proof-of-concept (PoC) tool that targets a critical vulnerability in Apache Parquet—specifically CVE-2025-30065. Apache Parquet, widely used in big data processing and analytics, is now facing scrutiny due to this security flaw which enables potential exploitation through Java object deserialization.

This tool isn’t theoretical—it’s been designed to demonstrate the real-world exploitability of the flaw and help system administrators identify vulnerable servers. Despite a relatively low chance of widespread exploitation, the presence of this tool marks a significant development in cybersecurity.

Understanding Apache Parquet and Its Role

Apache Parquet is an open-source, columnar storage file format used by big data platforms like Apache Spark, Hadoop, and Hive. It allows efficient storage and retrieval of data, making it a cornerstone of data analytics, business intelligence, and machine learning pipelines.

Because of its open nature and widespread use in ingesting and processing data—including from external sources—any vulnerability in its ecosystem becomes a concern across industries.

What is CVE-2025-30065?

The vulnerability tracked as CVE-2025-30065 was first disclosed publicly on April 1, 2025. It was discovered by Amazon security researcher Keyi Li and affects all versions of Apache Parquet up to and including 1.15.0.

This flaw is technically a deserialization issue in the parquet-avro module within the Apache Parquet Java library. In simple terms, when Parquet files embed Avro data, the system fails to properly restrict which Java classes can be created during data loading. If exploited, this could lead to remote code execution or unintended network activity from within the compromised system.

Inside the Exploit Tool

After assessing previously published PoCs and finding them ineffective, F5 Labs developed their own “canary exploit” tool. Released on GitHub, the tool confirms vulnerability by instantiating the javax.swing.JEditorKit class, which triggers an HTTP GET request to an external server. This acts as a signal or “canary” to detect exposure without causing real harm.

By doing so, system admins and security teams can verify their systems’ exposure and take immediate corrective measures.

Is the Risk Real or Hyped?

Interestingly, both Endor Labs and F5 Labs agree that real-world exploitation is challenging. The vulnerability doesn’t allow for arbitrary code execution directly—it only allows the instantiation of a Java class. The exploit becomes dangerous only when such a class has a side effect (e.g., making network connections).

Despite this, systems that routinely process Parquet files from unknown or unverified sources are still at risk. In these cases, even limited instantiation can be leveraged to extract sensitive information or interact with internal services.

How to Protect Your Systems

Here are the most effective steps to secure your environment:

• Upgrade to Apache Parquet version 15.1.1 or later, where the flaw has been addressed.
• Set Deserialization Restrictions using org.apache.parquet.avro.SERIALIZABLE_PACKAGES. This configuration restricts what packages can be deserialized, significantly reducing attack surface.
• Test with Canary Exploit from F5 Labs to confirm your system is not vulnerable.
• Limit External Input Sources: Avoid ingesting Parquet files from untrusted or unauthenticated external sources.
• Audit and Monitor Logs for unexpected Java class instantiations or unusual network requests.

FAQs About the Apache Parquet Exploit

Q1: What is CVE-2025-30065?

CVE-2025-30065 is a deserialization flaw in Apache Parquet’s parquet-avro Java module that allows unsafe Java object instantiations when processing Avro-encoded data inside Parquet files.

Q2: How dangerous is this vulnerability?

While it’s not a full remote code execution vulnerability, it can be misused if an instantiated class performs unwanted actions, such as initiating network connections.

Q3: Who released the exploit tool?

F5 Labs released a fully functional PoC tool to help organizations test their environments. This tool is available on GitHub.

Q4: What versions of Apache Parquet are affected?

All versions up to and including 1.15.0 are vulnerable. The issue is patched in version 15.1.1 and later.

Q5: How do I know if my system is vulnerable?

Use the canary exploit tool from F5 Labs to trigger a benign HTTP GET request. If your system performs the request, it may be vulnerable.

Q6: Can attackers use this for full system takeover?

Not directly. The flaw only allows class instantiation—not arbitrary code execution. However, if a class performs dangerous side effects, it can still pose a risk.

How Technijian Can Help Secure Your Infrastructure

At Technijian, we understand the evolving landscape of software vulnerabilities. That’s why we offer:

• Vulnerability Assessments: We evaluate your systems for exposures like CVE-2025-30065 and provide detailed remediation strategies.
• Patch Management: Our team ensures timely updates and secure configurations across your infrastructure.
• Security Monitoring: Using advanced tools, we monitor for suspicious activities and unauthorized access attempts.
• Custom Security Solutions: From restricting unsafe deserialization to hardening big data environments, our experts tailor solutions to your operational needs.

Partnering with Technijian means your security is in expert hands—so you can focus on what matters most: innovation and growth.

About Technijian

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