CVE-2022-40127 in Airflow
Summary
by MITRE • 11/14/2022
A vulnerability in Example Dags of Apache Airflow allows an attacker with UI access who can trigger DAGs, to execute arbitrary commands via manually provided run_id parameter. This issue affects Apache Airflow Apache Airflow versions prior to 2.4.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2025
This vulnerability resides within the Apache Airflow workflow management platform and represents a critical command injection flaw that exploits the DAG execution mechanism through the user interface. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 2.4.0 and stems from insufficient input validation when processing the run_id parameter during DAG execution. An attacker with access to the Airflow web UI and the ability to trigger DAGs can manipulate this parameter to inject malicious commands that will be executed within the Airflow environment. The flaw occurs because the system does not properly sanitize or validate the run_id value before incorporating it into command execution contexts, creating a direct path for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection flaws respectively. The attack vector leverages the Airflow web interface where users can manually specify run identifiers for DAG execution. When an attacker provides a malicious run_id parameter containing shell commands, these commands get executed within the context of the Airflow worker processes. This creates a severe privilege escalation scenario since the executed commands run with the permissions of the Airflow service account, potentially allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring elevated system privileges beyond basic UI access.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-40127 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the Airflow server, potentially accessing sensitive data, installing backdoors, or pivoting to other systems within the network. The attack pattern follows typical exploitation techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts. Organizations using Airflow versions prior to 2.4.0 face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited by anyone with legitimate UI access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have administrative privileges. The vulnerability affects not just the immediate Airflow instance but can potentially compromise entire data pipelines and orchestration systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on immediate version upgrades to Apache Airflow 2.4.0 or later, where the issue has been resolved through proper input validation and sanitization of the run_id parameter. Organizations should implement strict access controls and privilege separation to minimize the impact of compromised accounts, ensuring that only authorized personnel have UI access. Network segmentation and monitoring of Airflow web interface access can help detect suspicious activities involving DAG execution. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads and conducting regular security audits of Airflow configurations. The fix implemented in version 2.4.0 demonstrates proper input validation techniques that align with OWASP secure coding practices, specifically addressing the root cause by sanitizing user-provided identifiers before incorporating them into system commands. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across their Airflow environments.