CVE-2024-32077 in Airflow
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
Apache Airflow version 2.9.0 has a vulnerability that allows an authenticated attacker to inject malicious data into the task instance logs. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 2.9.1, which fixes this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-32077 represents a critical security flaw within Apache Airflow version 2.9.0 that enables authenticated attackers to manipulate task instance logs through malicious data injection techniques. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the logging framework of the workflow management platform, creating an avenue for privilege escalation and data integrity compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects the logging subsystem where task execution details are recorded, potentially allowing attackers with valid credentials to insert malicious content into log files that are subsequently processed by the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper handling of user-supplied data within the task instance logging mechanism. When authenticated users submit task parameters or execute workflows, the system fails to adequately sanitize the input before storing it in the log database. This weakness manifests as a classic injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, specifically targeting the logging and monitoring components of the platform. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires only authentication credentials to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by insiders or compromised accounts.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-32077 extends beyond simple data corruption, as maliciously injected log data can potentially be used to bypass security controls, obscure malicious activities, or even enable further attacks through log-based command execution. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to hide their presence within the system by injecting benign-looking data into logs while simultaneously introducing malicious payloads that could be executed by log parsing tools or security monitoring systems. The vulnerability affects the integrity and authenticity of audit trails, which are critical for compliance requirements and forensic analysis. Organizations using Apache Airflow for critical workflow automation and data processing may face significant operational risks including regulatory violations, security breaches, and compromised system integrity.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Apache Airflow version 2.9.1, which includes patches specifically designed to address the input validation gaps in the logging subsystem. This upgrade should be implemented as a priority for all affected systems, with thorough testing to ensure compatibility with existing workflows and configurations. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while monitoring log files for suspicious patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation. The fix addresses the core issue by implementing proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms that prevent malicious data from being stored in task instance logs, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1562.006 - Impair Command Line Arguments, which focuses on modifying or corrupting command-line arguments and log data to evade detection. Organizations should also consider implementing additional logging controls and audit mechanisms to detect unauthorized log modifications, as the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining log integrity as a fundamental security control within workflow automation systems.