CVE-2019-12398 in Airflow
Summary
by MITRE
In Apache Airflow before 1.10.5 when running with the "classic" UI, a malicious admin user could edit the state of objects in the Airflow metadata database to execute arbitrary javascript on certain page views. The new "RBAC" UI is unaffected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-12398 represents a critical server-side request forgery and cross-site scripting flaw in Apache Airflow versions prior to 1.10.5. This issue specifically affects installations using the legacy "classic" user interface, which was the default interface before the introduction of the more secure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) system. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the metadata database interaction layer, allowing authenticated administrative users to manipulate object states in ways that persistently inject malicious javascript code into the application's web interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of airflow metadata database entries, particularly those related to task instances, dag runs, and other workflow objects. When a malicious administrator modifies these database records, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the data before rendering it in subsequent page views. This creates a persistent cross-site scripting vector where the injected javascript executes in the context of other users' browsers who view affected pages. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages existing administrative privileges, making it difficult to detect and exploit without proper monitoring. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability where untrusted data flows from the application's database into the web browser without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the airflow environment. An attacker with administrative access can inject javascript that steals user credentials, modifies workflow execution behavior, or redirects users to malicious domains. The affected pages typically include task instance views, dag run details, and other metadata display interfaces where the manipulated database values are rendered. This vulnerability affects the core functionality of Apache Airflow's legacy interface and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive workflow data.
Organizations using Apache Airflow with the classic UI should immediately upgrade to version 1.10.5 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. The recommended mitigation strategy includes enabling the RBAC UI, which was specifically designed to address these types of vulnerabilities through enhanced access controls and improved data handling. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation, monitoring for unusual database modifications, and conducting regular security audits of airflow metadata. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Phishing, as the malicious javascript could be used to establish further footholds within the organization's infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to airflow metadata tables and ensure that administrative privileges are strictly controlled and audited. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and the need for comprehensive security testing of web applications that handle user-controllable data in database systems.