CVE-2018-20245 : What You Need to Know

Apache Airflow <= 1.10.0 LDAP Auth Backend Misconfiguration

Understanding CVE-2018-20245

In earlier versions of Apache Airflow (prior to 1.10.1), a misconfiguration in the LDAP auth backend led to improper handling of exceptions, resulting in the disabling of server certificate checking.

What is CVE-2018-20245?

The vulnerability in Apache Airflow (<= 1.10.0) LDAP auth backend allowed for improper certificate validation due to misconfigured exception handling.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20245

This vulnerability could potentially expose systems to man-in-the-middle attacks and unauthorized access due to disabled server certificate checking.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20245

Vulnerability Description

The LDAP auth backend in Apache Airflow prior to version 1.10.1 had a misconfiguration that disabled proper server certificate checking.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache Airflow
Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
Versions Affected: Apache Airflow <= 1.10.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to intercept communication between systems by bypassing certificate validation checks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Apache Airflow to version 1.10.1 or later to address the LDAP auth backend misconfiguration.
Implement network-level security controls to detect and prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations to ensure proper certificate validation.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Apache Software Foundation and apply patches promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.