CVE-2025-68675 in Airflow
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2026
In Apache Airflow versions before 3.1.6, the proxies and proxy fields within a Connection may include proxy URLs containing embedded authentication information. These fields were not treated as sensitive by default and therefore were not automatically masked in log output. As a result, when such connections are rendered or printed to logs, proxy credentials embedded in these fields could be exposed.
Users are recommended to upgrade to 3.1.6 or later, which fixes this issue
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2026
Apache Airflow version 3.1.6 introduced a critical security vulnerability that affects all prior versions through the improper handling of proxy authentication credentials within connection configurations. The vulnerability stems from the lack of automatic masking for proxy-related fields in connection objects, specifically the proxies and proxy fields that can contain URLs with embedded authentication information. This flaw represents a direct violation of security best practices for credential handling and exposure prevention, as outlined in the CWE-540 vulnerability category which addresses the inclusion of sensitive information in logs and output streams.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within Airflow's connection management system where proxy URL fields containing embedded credentials such as username:password@proxyhost:port are not automatically sanitized or masked during logging operations. When connections are rendered or printed to log output, these fields are displayed in their raw form, potentially exposing authentication credentials to unauthorized parties who might have access to log files or monitoring systems. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the configuration level where sensitive information flows through the system without proper security controls, creating an attack surface that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credential access through log files and system logs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for organizations using Apache Airflow for workflow automation and orchestration. When proxy credentials are logged in plain text, attackers who gain access to log files or monitoring systems can immediately extract authentication information for proxy servers, potentially enabling them to bypass network security controls, access restricted resources, or perform unauthorized network communications. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 3.1.6, making it a widespread concern for organizations that have not yet upgraded their Airflow installations. This issue particularly impacts environments where Airflow connects to external services through proxy servers, which is common in enterprise deployments with complex network topologies and security requirements.
Organizations should immediately prioritize upgrading to Apache Airflow version 3.1.6 or later to address this vulnerability, as the fix implements automatic masking of proxy-related fields in log output. The recommended mitigation strategy involves not only the immediate upgrade but also conducting thorough log review to identify any instances where proxy credentials may have been exposed in previous log entries. Security teams should implement monitoring for sensitive information in log files and establish proper credential management practices that align with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 control CM-7 for configuration management and security controls. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing log sanitization policies and access controls around log files to prevent unauthorized access to potentially sensitive information, ensuring compliance with security frameworks that address information exposure and credential protection.