CVE-2023-28706 in Airflow Hive Provider
Summary
by MITRE • 04/07/2023
Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') vulnerability in Apache Software Foundation Apache Airflow Hive Provider.This issue affects Apache Airflow Hive Provider: before 6.0.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2023-28706 represents a critical code injection flaw within the Apache Airflow Hive Provider component, classified under the improper control of code generation weakness. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary code into the system. The flaw exists in versions prior to 6.0.0 of the Apache Airflow Hive Provider, making all earlier releases susceptible to exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it directly impacts the execution flow of data processing workflows that rely on Hive operations within the Airflow environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied inputs are not properly sanitized before being incorporated into code generation processes within the Hive provider. Attackers can manipulate parameters or configuration values that are subsequently used to construct executable code or SQL queries. This improper handling creates opportunities for malicious code injection attacks that can escalate to full system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of code generation and input validation, where trusted data flows are manipulated to execute unintended operations. According to CWE standards, this maps to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')", a well-documented weakness that allows attackers to inject executable code into applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-28706 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform unauthorized data access, modify processing workflows, or even gain complete control over the underlying Hive operations. In Apache Airflow environments, this could result in data exfiltration, workflow manipulation, or disruption of critical data processing pipelines. The vulnerability's exploitation risk is heightened because Hive providers are commonly used in enterprise data processing environments where sensitive information flows through automated workflows. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious SQL commands or code that executes within the Hive context, potentially accessing unauthorized databases or modifying data processing logic.
Security practitioners should immediately upgrade to Apache Airflow Hive Provider version 6.0.0 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing strict input validation controls, sanitizing all user-supplied parameters before code generation, and monitoring workflow execution for anomalous behavior. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the code injection technique, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through improper input handling. Regular security assessments and code reviews should focus on identifying similar code generation patterns that may be vulnerable to injection attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in data processing frameworks where code generation is a core functionality.