A serious security flaw has been discovered in the Apache Parquet Java library that could allow attackers to execute code remotely and take full control of affected systems. This vulnerability—tracked as CVE-2025-30065—poses a major threat to data pipelines, big data analytics tools, and applications that handle Parquet files, especially when those files come from untrusted sources.
Apache Parquet is an open-source, columnar storage format widely used in data engineering for its speed and efficiency. It supports complex data structures and is a key part of many modern data frameworks, including Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark. But the latest flaw has turned this essential tool into a potential attack vector.
Vulnerability Originated in Version 1.8.0 of Parquet Java Library
The issue stems from a deserialization flaw within the parquet-avro module of the Java library. The vulnerability was likely introduced in Parquet version 1.8.0 and was fixed in the recently released version 1.15.1. Users of any older version are urged to review and upgrade their systems immediately.
With a CVSS score of 10/10, this bug ranks at the highest possible severity level. If triggered, it could allow remote code execution (RCE)—giving hackers full control over a vulnerable machine. This level of access could lead to data theft, ransomware attacks, service disruptions, or even a complete shutdown of operations.
Exploiting Parquet Files for Code Execution
According to security firm Endor Labs, the exploit becomes active when a system processes a maliciously crafted Parquet file. If attackers can tamper with these files, they could hijack systems running data pipelines, analytics platforms, or other tools using the Apache Parquet library.
Systems that import Parquet files—particularly those connected to distributed frameworks like Hadoop or Spark—are especially at risk. Endor Labs warns that even if you’re unsure whether your system uses Parquet, it’s worth checking with software vendors or developers. Many data tools include this library by default, sometimes without explicit mention.
No Exploits Seen Yet, But the Risk Is High
As of now, there is no evidence that this vulnerability has been exploited in the wild. However, due to its critical nature and the broad usage of Apache Parquet, experts believe it’s only a matter of time before attackers add it to their toolkit.
The safest course of action is to upgrade to Parquet version 1.15.1 immediately. But that alone may not be enough.
Best Practices for Parquet File Security
Endor Labs also recommends a set of precautions for organizations working with Parquet files:
- Avoid processing files from unknown sources.
- Block or quarantine external Parquet files until verified.
- Implement robust monitoring and logging to detect suspicious behavior.
- Apply security updates across your entire software stack—not just Parquet.
- Stay tuned to Apache and cybersecurity authorities for new advisories.
These proactive steps can help reduce exposure and safeguard critical systems from remote code execution attacks.
What This Means for the Big Data Ecosystem
This vulnerability is a wake-up call for companies relying on big data frameworks and open-source libraries. While tools like Apache Parquet offer enormous efficiency gains, they also require careful oversight—especially when they handle untrusted data.
With cyber threats evolving fast, companies must adopt a zero-trust security posture, monitor third-party components closely, and ensure every dependency in the tech stack is regularly audited and updated.
