CVE-2025-54831 Overview
Apache Airflow 3 introduced a change to the handling of sensitive information in Connections, intended to restrict access to sensitive connection fields to Connection Editing Users through a "write-only" model. However, in Airflow 3.0.3, this security model was unintentionally violated, allowing sensitive connection information to be viewed by users with READ permissions through both the API and the UI. This behavior also bypassed the AIRFLOW__CORE__HIDE_SENSITIVE_VAR_CONN_FIELDS configuration option, exposing credentials and other sensitive data that should have been protected.
Critical Impact
Users with only READ permissions can access sensitive connection credentials including passwords, API keys, and authentication tokens through the Airflow API and UI, bypassing intended access controls.
Affected Products
- Apache Airflow version 3.0.3
Discovery Timeline
- September 26, 2025 - CVE CVE-2025-54831 published to NVD
- November 4, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-54831
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability falls under CWE-213 (Exposure of Sensitive Information Due to Incompatible Policies), representing a significant Information Disclosure flaw in Apache Airflow's connection management system. The issue stems from an implementation error in Airflow 3.0.3's access control mechanism for sensitive connection fields.
In Airflow 3.x, the security model was redesigned to enforce a "write-only" paradigm for sensitive values within Connections. This means that users should only be able to write or update sensitive fields (like passwords, API keys, and connection secrets) but not read them back unless they have explicit editing permissions. However, the implementation in version 3.0.3 failed to properly enforce this restriction.
The vulnerability allows any authenticated user with basic READ permissions to retrieve full connection details, including sensitive fields that should be masked or hidden. This affects both the REST API endpoints and the web UI components that display connection information.
Root Cause
The root cause is an improper access control implementation in Airflow 3.0.3 that fails to distinguish between read and write permissions when handling sensitive connection fields. The AIRFLOW__CORE__HIDE_SENSITIVE_VAR_CONN_FIELDS configuration option, which should mask sensitive values, is also bypassed by this flaw. This indicates that the access control checks are missing or incorrectly positioned in the code path that handles connection data retrieval.
Attack Vector
An attacker with low-privilege READ access to an Airflow deployment can exploit this vulnerability through network-based requests. The attack requires authentication but does not require user interaction.
The exploitation path involves:
- Authenticating to the Airflow instance with any account that has READ permissions on Connections
- Accessing the Connections API endpoint or navigating to the Connections UI section
- Retrieving full connection details including passwords, API keys, OAuth tokens, and other sensitive authentication material that should be protected
This is particularly concerning in multi-tenant environments or organizations where different teams have varying levels of access to workflow orchestration systems. Compromised credentials could lead to unauthorized access to databases, cloud services, and other integrated systems.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-54831
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual API requests to Connection endpoints (/api/v1/connections) from users who should not have access to sensitive data
- Increased access to Connection detail pages in Airflow UI audit logs
- Evidence of credential harvesting or lateral movement using credentials stored in Airflow Connections
- Suspicious activity from accounts that only have READ permissions accessing sensitive connection data
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Airflow API access logs for requests to connection detail endpoints, particularly focusing on users with READ-only permissions
- Implement alerting for bulk retrieval of connection data that may indicate credential harvesting
- Review authentication logs for downstream systems using credentials stored in Airflow Connections for anomalous access patterns
- Deploy SentinelOne Singularity to detect post-exploitation activity if credentials are compromised
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive audit logging in Apache Airflow to track all Connection-related API and UI access
- Implement network monitoring for unusual outbound connections from the Airflow server that may indicate exfiltration
- Regularly review access permissions to ensure principle of least privilege is enforced
- Monitor for password rotation or credential changes in connected systems that may indicate unauthorized access
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-54831
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Apache Airflow to version 3.0.4 or later immediately
- Review Airflow access logs to identify any potential unauthorized access to sensitive connection data
- Rotate all credentials stored in Airflow Connections as a precautionary measure
- Temporarily restrict READ permissions on Connections until the upgrade is complete
- Audit connected systems for signs of unauthorized access using potentially compromised credentials
Patch Information
Apache has released version 3.0.4 which addresses this vulnerability. Users running Airflow 3.0.3 should upgrade immediately. The fix properly enforces the "write-only" model for sensitive connection fields and ensures that the AIRFLOW__CORE__HIDE_SENSITIVE_VAR_CONN_FIELDS configuration option works as intended. For additional details, refer to the Apache Mailing List Thread and the OpenWall OSS Security Discussion.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the Airflow web interface and API to only trusted users until the upgrade is complete
- Temporarily disable or remove sensitive Connections and use alternative credential management solutions such as external secrets backends
- Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of the Airflow instance
- Use role-based access control to minimize the number of users with READ permissions on Connections
# Upgrade Apache Airflow to patched version
pip install --upgrade apache-airflow>=3.0.4
# Verify the installed version
airflow version
# After upgrade, verify the configuration option is working
# In airflow.cfg or environment variable
export AIRFLOW__CORE__HIDE_SENSITIVE_VAR_CONN_FIELDS=True
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
