CVE-2024-25142 in Airflow
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2024
Use of Web Browser Cache Containing Sensitive Information vulnerability in Apache Airflow.
Airflow did not return "Cache-Control" header for dynamic content, which in case of some browsers could result in potentially storing sensitive data in local cache of the browser.
This issue affects Apache Airflow: before 2.9.2.
Users are recommended to upgrade to version 2.9.2, which fixes the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-25142 represents a critical security flaw in Apache Airflow's handling of web browser caching mechanisms. This issue falls under the category of improper handling of sensitive information in web applications, specifically concerning how dynamic content is managed within browser cache systems. The vulnerability manifests when Apache Airflow fails to properly implement cache control headers for dynamic content, creating potential exposure points for sensitive data that should remain protected and ephemeral.
The technical flaw stems from the absence of proper Cache-Control headers in responses generated by Apache Airflow's web interface. When browsers receive HTTP responses without explicit cache control directives, they typically apply default caching behaviors that may store sensitive information in local browser caches. This behavior varies across different browser implementations but generally creates a window of opportunity for unauthorized access to potentially sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Airflow might handle workflow data, task execution details, or other operational information that could be exploited if cached locally on user devices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using Apache Airflow for workflow automation and orchestration. Attackers who gain access to a user's browser cache could potentially retrieve sensitive workflow information, execution logs, or task parameters that were previously displayed in the Airflow web interface. The risk is exacerbated when users access Airflow from shared or unsecured devices, as cached data remains accessible even after the user navigates away from the application. This represents a classic example of how web application security controls can be bypassed through improper implementation of HTTP headers and caching mechanisms.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves upgrading to Apache Airflow version 2.9.2, which includes the necessary fixes to properly implement Cache-Control headers for dynamic content. This upgrade addresses the root cause by ensuring that sensitive information is not inadvertently stored in browser caches. Organizations should also conduct thorough testing to verify that the fix properly implements appropriate cache control policies including no-cache, no-store, and private directives for sensitive content. Security teams should review their existing cache policies and implement additional monitoring to detect potential unauthorized cache access attempts, particularly in environments where Airflow is accessed from multiple devices or shared workstations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-524, which specifically addresses the use of web browser cache containing sensitive information, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices for web applications. The issue also connects to ATT&CK technique T1531, which involves the use of cache poisoning or manipulation to gain access to sensitive information. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as regular cache clearing policies, browser security configurations, and monitoring for unusual cache access patterns to further protect against potential exploitation of this vulnerability.