A high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2024-45784) has been identified in Apache Airflow, a widely used workflow management platform. The flaw exposes sensitive configuration data in task logs, such as API keys, database credentials, and other secrets.
With a CVSS score of 7.5, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations utilizing Airflow versions prior to 2.10.3. It is critical that affected systems are updated immediately to mitigate the risks of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within networks.
Vulnerability Details
- Root Cause:
Apache Airflow does not mask sensitive configuration values in task logs by default. This issue arises from improper handling of secrets within Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs). - Impact:
Sensitive information can be logged inadvertently, leaving critical data exposed to unauthorized users. - Affected Versions:
All versions prior to 2.10.3. - Fixed Version:
Apache Airflow 2.10.3.
Potential Impact
1. Data Breaches
Attackers can extract sensitive information, including:
- Customer data.
- Financial records.
- Proprietary algorithms or code.
2. System Compromise
Exposed credentials could allow attackers to:
- Access databases or APIs.
- Compromise the Airflow platform and associated infrastructure.
3. Lateral Movement
Compromised systems could serve as a springboard for attackers to pivot into other parts of the organization’s network.
Mitigation Recommendations
- Upgrade to the Latest Version
- Update Apache Airflow to version 2.10.3 or later immediately.
- Review Logs for Exposed Secrets
- Analyze existing Airflow logs to identify any sensitive information logged by DAGs.
- Rotate any compromised credentials (e.g., API keys, database passwords) immediately.
- Implement Secure DAG Practices
- Avoid hardcoding secrets in DAG scripts.
- Use Airflow’s Secrets Backend to securely manage sensitive information.
- Restrict Log Access
- Limit access to Airflow logs to authorized users only.
- Monitor and audit log access regularly.
- Enable Logging Best Practices
- Configure Airflow to redact sensitive information in logs.
- Utilize plugins or custom logging handlers to filter secrets from log output.
- Enhance Monitoring and Alerts
- Deploy monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access to Airflow logs.
- Set up alerts for unusual log access patterns or credential usage.
Technical Indicators of Exploitation (IoCs)
- Unauthorized access to Airflow logs containing sensitive data.
- Misuse of exposed API keys or credentials found in task logs.
- Unusual activity in systems linked to Airflow tasks.
References and Additional Resources
- Apache Airflow Release Notes: Airflow 2.10.3
Conclusion
The discovery of CVE-2024-45784 underscores the importance of secure logging practices and proper secrets management in workflow automation platforms like Apache Airflow. Organizations must act swiftly to update their systems, review logs for potential exposures, and implement measures to prevent similar risks in the future.
Failure to address this vulnerability promptly could result in significant financial, operational, and reputational damages.
