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The CVE-2025-51656 vulnerability exists within the `/api/v2/dagReports` endpoint of Apache Airflow’s REST API. When the Airflow API server is deployed in an environment with access to DAG files, this endpoint improperly handles user-supplied input. Specifically, it allows an authenticated API user to trigger operations that lead to the execution of Python code from a specified DAG file. This occurs because the endpoint’s logic for generating reports does not sufficiently sanitize or restrict which DAG files can be targeted, ultimately allowing the API server process to load and execute arbitrary DAG code. The exploit is contingent on the attacker having valid API credentials and the API server having filesystem access to the DAGs.
Platform: Apache Airflow
Version: Specific versions < 2.10.3
Vulnerability: Dag Code Execution
Severity: Moderate
date: 2025-10-30
Prediction: Patch expected 2025-11-13
What Undercode Say:
curl -X GET -H "Authorization: Bearer <TOKEN>" http://airflow.example.com/api/v2/dagReports/<dag_id>
Attacker-controlled DAG file
from airflow import DAG
import os
dag = DAG('malicious')
os.system('rm -rf /critical/path')
How Exploit:
Authenticated request to `/api/v2/dagReports` targeting a malicious or manipulated DAG file, causing the API server to execute embedded Python code.
Protection from this CVE:
Upgrade to Airflow 2.10.3+. Restrict API server’s filesystem access to DAGs. Implement strict network controls and principle of least privilege for API users.
Impact:
Arbitrary code execution in API server context, potential system compromise, and unauthorized DAG interaction.
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Sources:
Reported By: github.com
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