CVE-2023-35797: Apache Airflow Hive Auth Bypass Flaw

CVE-2023-35797 Overview

CVE-2023-35797 is an Improper Input Validation vulnerability affecting the Apache Software Foundation Apache Airflow Hive Provider. This security flaw allows attackers to bypass security checks and achieve Remote Code Execution (RCE) through the principal parameter. Exploitation requires access to modify connection details within the Apache Airflow environment, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant deployments or environments where connection configurations are not strictly controlled.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables complete system compromise through Remote Code Execution by bypassing security controls via the principal parameter in the Hive Provider connection settings.

Affected Products

• Apache Airflow Apache Hive Provider versions prior to 6.1.1
• Apache Apache-airflow-providers-apache-hive (all versions before the security patch)
• Environments using the Hive connection provider with exposed connection modification capabilities

Discovery Timeline

• 2023-07-03 - CVE-2023-35797 published to NVD
• 2025-02-13 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-35797

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the Apache Airflow Hive Provider's handling of the principal parameter during connection establishment. The Hive Provider is used to facilitate connections between Apache Airflow workflows and Apache Hive data warehouses. When processing connection configuration, the provider failed to adequately sanitize or validate the principal parameter, creating an avenue for command injection.

The security mechanism designed to prevent arbitrary code execution could be circumvented by crafting malicious input for the principal field. An attacker with the ability to modify connection details—either through direct database access, API manipulation, or compromised credentials—could inject commands that would be executed in the context of the Airflow worker process.

Root Cause

The root cause is classified under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation). The Hive Provider's connection handling code did not implement sufficient validation or sanitization of the principal parameter before using it in security-sensitive operations. This oversight allowed specially crafted values to bypass the intended security boundaries and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system.

The principal parameter, typically used for Kerberos authentication in Hive connections, was not subjected to the same rigorous security checks applied to other connection parameters, creating an unexpected attack surface.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-accessible and requires the attacker to have the ability to modify Airflow connection configurations. This could be achieved through:

1. Direct Access: An authenticated user with connection modification privileges in the Airflow UI or API
2. Compromised Credentials: Leveraging stolen credentials to access the Airflow metadata database or admin interface
3. Internal Network Access: Exploiting the vulnerability from within the same network where Airflow is deployed

Once an attacker can modify the connection details, they inject malicious payload into the principal parameter. When a DAG or task attempts to use this compromised Hive connection, the malicious code executes with the privileges of the Airflow worker process.

The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited with low attack complexity once the prerequisite access to connection settings is obtained.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-35797

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected modifications to Hive connection configurations in the Airflow metadata database
• Suspicious values in the principal field containing shell metacharacters or command sequences
• Unusual process spawning from Airflow worker processes
• Anomalous network connections originating from Airflow components

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Airflow connection configuration changes through audit logs for unauthorized modifications
• Implement file integrity monitoring on Airflow configuration files and connection definitions
• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify unusual command execution patterns from Airflow processes
• Review Airflow access logs for unexpected API calls to connection management endpoints

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed audit logging for all connection modifications in Apache Airflow
• Configure alerting for changes to Hive provider connections, especially the principal parameter
• Implement network segmentation monitoring to detect unexpected outbound connections from Airflow workers
• Use SentinelOne's runtime protection to detect and block anomalous command execution patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-35797

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Apache Airflow Hive Provider to version 6.1.1 or later immediately
• Audit all existing Hive connection configurations for suspicious principal parameter values
• Review access controls for connection modification privileges and restrict to essential personnel only
• Implement network segmentation to limit the blast radius if exploitation occurs

Patch Information

Apache has addressed this vulnerability in Apache Airflow Hive Provider version 6.1.1. The fix implements proper input validation for the principal parameter, preventing the security bypass that enabled RCE. Organizations should upgrade to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability.

For detailed information about the security fix, refer to the GitHub Apache Airflow Pull Request and the Apache Mailing List Discussion.

Workarounds

• Restrict access to Airflow connection management to only trusted administrators until patching is complete
• Implement strict role-based access control (RBAC) to prevent unauthorized users from modifying connections
• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious input patterns targeting connection parameters
• Consider temporarily disabling Hive connections in critical environments until the patch is applied

# Upgrade Apache Airflow Hive Provider to patched version
pip install apache-airflow-providers-apache-hive>=6.1.1

# Verify installed version
pip show apache-airflow-providers-apache-hive | grep Version

# Review connection configurations for suspicious entries
airflow connections list --output table