CVE-2023-34395 in Airflow ODBC Provider
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2023
Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection') vulnerability in Apache Software Foundation Apache Airflow ODBC Provider. In OdbcHook, A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in a system due to controllable ODBC driver parameters that allow the loading of arbitrary dynamic-link libraries, resulting in command execution. Starting version 4.0.0 driver can be set only from the hook constructor. This issue affects Apache Airflow ODBC Provider: before 4.0.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The CVE-2023-34395 vulnerability represents a critical argument injection flaw within the Apache Airflow ODBC Provider that exposes systems to privilege escalation and arbitrary command execution. This vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of argument delimiters in command execution contexts, specifically affecting the OdbcHook component that handles database connections through ODBC drivers. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate ODBC driver parameters in ways that can trigger the loading of arbitrary dynamic-link libraries, creating a pathway for malicious code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to escalate privileges by injecting malicious parameters that bypass normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in how the OdbcHook processes driver configuration parameters, where user-controllable inputs are not properly sanitized or validated before being passed to underlying ODBC driver loading mechanisms. When ODBC driver parameters contain malicious input, the system can be coerced into loading unauthorized dynamic-link libraries from arbitrary locations, effectively allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected Airflow process. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that maps to CWE-77 and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects versions before 4.0.0 of the ODBC Provider, where the driver parameter setting was more permissive and lacked proper validation mechanisms.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple command execution to encompass full system compromise when attackers can leverage the privilege escalation capabilities. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the affected system. The vulnerability affects Apache Airflow installations that rely on ODBC connections for data processing workflows, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Airflow orchestrates critical business processes. The issue becomes more severe when considering that Airflow typically runs with elevated privileges to access various data sources and execute complex workflows, providing attackers with significant attack surface. The fact that this vulnerability was addressed in version 4.0.0 through stricter parameter validation in the hook constructor demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and privilege control in database connection components.
Organizations should immediately assess their Apache Airflow installations to identify systems running vulnerable versions before 4.0.0 and implement mitigation strategies including immediate upgrades to patched versions. Additional protective measures include implementing strict parameter validation at multiple layers, restricting network access to Airflow components, and monitoring for suspicious ODBC driver parameter usage patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and establish robust logging mechanisms to detect anomalous command execution patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating and sanitizing all external inputs, particularly in database connection components where privilege escalation opportunities can lead to complete system compromise.