CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-33234NVD status: Modified

Apache Airflow CNCF Kubernetes Provider: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component

CVE-2023-33234 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in Apache Airflow CNCF Kubernetes Provider from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected Apache Airflow CNCF Kubernetes Provider versions: 5.0.0 through 6.1.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.54% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 75% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update Apache-airflow-providers-cncf-kubernetes to 7.0.0 or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
ApacheApache Airflow CNCF Kubernetes Provider5.0.0 through 6.1.0Not stated
Apacheairflow_cncf_kubernetes5.0.0 through 6.1.0Not stated
ApacheApache-airflow-providers-cncf-kubernetes5.0.0 up to, but not including, 7.0.07.0.0

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.2HighNVD
CVSS 3.17.2HighCISA (ADP)

Official description

Arbitrary code execution in Apache Airflow CNCF Kubernetes provider version 5.0.0 allows user to change xcom sidecar image and resources via Airflow connection. In order to exploit this weakness, a user would already need elevated permissions (Op or Admin) to change the connection object in this manner. Operators should upgrade to provider version 7.0.0 which has removed the vulnerability.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component

The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
  • Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities (CWE-74)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in Apache Airflow CNCF Kubernetes Provider

All Apache Airflow CNCF Kubernetes Provider vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities

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