CVE-2018-20244 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2018-20244, published on January 23, 2019, addresses a vulnerability in Apache Airflow versions prior to 1.10.2 that could allow an admin user to execute arbitrary JavaScript through the Airflowris metadata database.

Understanding CVE-2018-20244

In this section, we will delve into the details of the CVE-2018-20244 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2018-20244?

CVE-2018-20244 is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Apache Airflow versions <= 1.10.1, allowing a malicious admin user to manipulate the status of items in the metadata database.

The Impact of CVE-2018-:20244

The vulnerability enables the execution of arbitrary JavaScript on specific page views, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and data exposure.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20244

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2018-20244.

Vulnerability Description

In Apache Airflow versions before 1.10.2, an admin user could alter the state of objects in the metadata database, facilitating the execution of arbitrary JavaScript on certain page views.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache Airflow
Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
Versions Affected: Apache Airflow <= 1.10.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows a malicious admin user to modify the status of items within the Airflow metadata database, leading to the execution of arbitrary JavaScript.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2018-20244 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Apache Airflow to version 1.10.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Restrict admin privileges to trusted users to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit the Airflow metadata database for unauthorized changes, especially changes to object states.
Educate users on secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Apache Airflow.
Implement a robust patch management process to promptly apply security fixes.