CVE-2021-45229 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Apache Airflow: Reflected XSS via Origin Query Argument in URL

Understanding CVE-2021-45229

Apache Airflow is affected by a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability through the

origin

query argument. This CVE details the impact and provides mitigation steps.

What is CVE-2021-45229?

It was discovered that the "Trigger DAG with config" screen in Apache Airflow is vulnerable to XSS attacks via the

origin

query argument, affecting versions 2.2.3 and below.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45229

This vulnerability has a high impact, allowing for the execution of malicious scripts within the context of the user's browser when accessing specific pages in Apache Airflow.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45229

Apache Airflow's vulnerability involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to XSS exploitation through the

origin

query argument.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache Airflow
Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
Versions affected: < 2.2.4 (specifically 2.2.3 and below)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious links or content that include the

origin

query argument, leading to the execution of unauthorized scripts within the user's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-45229, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache Airflow to version 2.2.4 or newer to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.
Avoid clicking on suspicious or unsolicited links to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates from Apache Airflow to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.
Implement content security policies (CSP) to control which resources can be loaded on specific pages.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Apache Airflow promptly to address security issues and protect against XSS vulnerabilities.