CVE-2023-39441 in Airflow
Summary
by MITRE • 08/23/2023
Apache Airflow SMTP Provider before 1.3.0, Apache Airflow IMAP Provider before 3.3.0, and Apache Airflow before 2.7.0 are affected by the Validation of OpenSSL Certificate vulnerability.
The default SSL context with SSL library did not check a server's X.509 certificate. Instead, the code accepted any certificate, which could result in the disclosure of mail server credentials or mail contents when the client connects to an attacker in a MITM position.
Users are strongly advised to upgrade to Apache Airflow version 2.7.0 or newer, Apache Airflow IMAP Provider version 3.3.0 or newer, and Apache Airflow SMTP Provider version 1.3.0 or newer to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2023
This vulnerability affects Apache Airflow components including the SMTP and IMAP providers, as well as the core Airflow platform itself, specifically versions prior to 1.3.0 for SMTP, 3.3.0 for IMAP, and 2.7.0 for the core platform. The issue stems from improper SSL certificate validation within the OpenSSL library integration, creating a critical security gap that undermines the integrity of encrypted communications. When these components establish connections to mail servers, they fail to validate the server's X.509 certificate, effectively accepting any certificate presented by the remote server regardless of its authenticity or trustworthiness.
The technical flaw manifests in the SSL context configuration where the default SSL library behavior does not enforce certificate validation, allowing for man-in-the-middle attacks to succeed without detection. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-295, which addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and represents a fundamental breakdown in the cryptographic security controls that should protect sensitive communication channels. The absence of certificate verification means that attackers positioned between the Airflow client and mail servers can intercept and potentially manipulate all transmitted data, including authentication credentials and email contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly for organizations relying on Apache Airflow for workflow automation and data processing. When Airflow components connect to mail servers for notifications, alerts, or data exchange, the lack of certificate validation creates an attack surface where malicious actors can impersonate legitimate mail servers. This scenario enables credential theft, data interception, and potential system compromise through the exposure of sensitive information that flows through these insecure connections. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where Airflow is configured to send email notifications or process email-based workflows, making it a significant concern for enterprise security postures.
Organizations should immediately implement the recommended mitigations by upgrading to the patched versions of Apache Airflow and its associated providers. The upgrade path includes moving to Apache Airflow version 2.7.0 or newer, Apache Airflow IMAP Provider version 3.3.0 or newer, and Apache Airflow SMTP Provider version 1.3.0 or newer. This remediation addresses the core SSL validation issue by ensuring that certificate verification is properly enforced during SSL/TLS handshakes. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of existing Airflow configurations to identify any custom SSL implementations that may require additional review and updates to maintain proper cryptographic security standards. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers "Phishing" through the potential for credential compromise via man-in-the-middle attacks, and T1071.004, covering "Application Layer Protocol: DNS," as the compromised communication channels could potentially be leveraged for further network reconnaissance activities.