In Apache Airflow versions prior to 2.4.2, the "Trigger DAG with config" screen was susceptible to XSS attacks via the `origin` query argument. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that could be executed in the context of the affected user’s browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data exposure.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium, with a CVSS score of 6.1. This rating indicates that while the attack complexity is low and no privileges are required, user interaction is necessary for exploitation. Organizations using affected versions should be aware of the potential risks and prioritize mitigation strategies.
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of unauthorized access to sensitive information and the ability to execute actions on behalf of legitimate users. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to perform malicious activities, making it critical for organizations to take action.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Upgrading to Apache Airflow version 2.4.2 or later will remediate this vulnerability and ensure that the application operates securely.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability, classified under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')), allows attackers to manipulate the input fields and execute scripts in the victim's browser. This can lead to various issues, including data theft and session hijacking.
The CVSS score of 6.1 reflects a medium severity, indicating that while exploitation is possible, it requires user interaction. The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is classified as low. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the application but does not affect its availability.
This vulnerability was published on November 2, 2022, and the affected versions include Apache Airflow prior to 2.4.2. Organizations are advised to update to the latest version to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user inputs, specifically the `origin` query parameter, which was not adequately sanitized. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be executed by users when they access the affected screen.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning the attacker needs to send a malicious request that includes the specially crafted `origin` parameter. The exploitation is characterized by low complexity, as it does not require any special privileges or access rights, making it easier for potential attackers.
User interaction is required since the victim must access the vulnerable component of the application, which makes social engineering tactics a potential method for exploitation. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity, as it allows unauthorized actions in the context of the victim's session.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk includes the potential for attackers to exploit this vulnerability in scenarios where users are tricked into accessing malicious links or pages. The impact on organizations could be significant, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, or damage to reputation.
The blast radius for this vulnerability is considerable, especially in environments where Apache Airflow is widely used for managing workflows and data processing. Attackers may leverage the XSS vulnerability to execute arbitrary scripts, potentially affecting numerous users and systems.
Urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is underscored by its medium CVSS score and the fact that it is not currently listed in the KEV catalog, indicating that it is not actively exploited in the wild. However, organizations should not delay remediation as the potential risks remain.
Organizations should schedule remediation to ensure that they are not susceptible to this type of attack.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to 2.4.2 of Apache Airflow are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using these versions should take immediate action to upgrade.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to Apache Airflow version 2.4.2 or later. If immediate upgrades are not feasible, organizations may consider implementing input validation and sanitization measures for the `origin` query parameter.
Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious activity can help mitigate potential exploitation attempts.
Organizations should validate remediation through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual input patterns in the `origin` query parameter. Behavioral anomalies related to user sessions should also be investigated.
Network signatures that identify malformed requests could be established to detect possible XSS attempts against the application.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its demonstration of how web applications can be susceptible to XSS attacks if user inputs are not properly sanitized. Organizations must conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
This incident highlights the need for security-focused development practices and continuous monitoring of applications post-deployment.
Security teams should consider incorporating vulnerability management programs into their development lifecycle to minimize risks associated with vulnerabilities.
Organizations should also stay informed about emerging threats and consider engaging in penetration testing to proactively identify weaknesses in their applications.
By fostering a culture of security awareness and proactive measures, organizations can better protect themselves against vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-43982.
Finally, organizations should consider implementing secure coding practices and conducting regular security audits to further reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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