CVE-2025-69219

8.8

Apache · Airflow

A vulnerability in Apache Airflow allows a user with database access to execute arbitrary code on the Triggerer component by crafting a malicious database entry.

Executive summary

An attacker with database access can achieve remote code execution on the Airflow Triggerer, effectively gaining the same permissions as a DAG author.

Vulnerability

This vulnerability involves an insecure deserialization or code execution path where a user with direct database access can inject a crafted entry. When the Airflow Triggerer processes this entry, it executes the attacker's code, leading to privilege escalation.

Business impact

A successful exploit allows an attacker who has compromised the database layer to move laterally and execute code within the Airflow environment. With a CVSS score of 8.8, this represents a significant threat to data pipeline integrity, potentially allowing the attacker to manipulate workflows, steal data, or disrupt business-critical automation.

Remediation

Immediate Action: Apply the vendor-provided security updates for Apache Airflow immediately to patch the insecure processing logic in the Triggerer component.

Proactive Monitoring: Monitor the Airflow metadata database for suspicious or non-standard entries in tables related to triggers and review Triggerer logs for unauthorized code execution.

Compensating Controls: Strictly limit database access using the principle of least privilege and ensure that the database is not accessible from untrusted network segments.

Exploitation status

Public Exploit Available: false

Analyst recommendation

This vulnerability highlights the risk of "database-to-code" lateral movement. Organizations should apply the latest Apache Airflow patches immediately and ensure their database security posture is robust enough to prevent the initial access required for this exploit.

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