CVE-2023-28710
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an improper input validation vulnerability in Apache Airflow Spark Provider that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. It affects organizations using Apache Airflow with Spark Provider before version 4.0.1. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input in Spark-related components.
💻 Affected Systems
- Apache Airflow Spark Provider
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Denial of service through resource exhaustion or limited code execution within the Airflow context.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if proper network segmentation, least privilege, and input validation are already implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of Airflow Spark Provider internals but doesn't require authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.0.1
Vendor Advisory: https://lists.apache.org/thread/lb9w9114ow00h2nkn8bjm106v5x1p1d2
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Apache Airflow Spark Provider to version 4.0.1 or later using pip: 'pip install --upgrade apache-airflow-providers-apache-spark>=4.0.1' 2. Restart all Airflow services including scheduler, webserver, and workers.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Spark Provider
allTemporarily disable or remove the Spark Provider if not essential for operations
pip uninstall apache-airflow-providers-apache-spark
Network Segmentation
allRestrict network access to Airflow instances to trusted sources only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all Spark-related parameters
- Apply network controls to isolate Airflow instances and limit exposure
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check installed Spark Provider version: 'pip show apache-airflow-providers-apache-spark | grep Version'Check Version:
pip show apache-airflow-providers-apache-spark | grep VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 4.0.1 or higher: 'pip list | grep apache-airflow-providers-apache-spark'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Spark job submissions
- Errors in Airflow logs related to Spark parameter validation
- Unexpected process execution from Airflow workers
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Airflow instances
- Suspicious Spark job submissions to external clusters
SIEM Query:
source="airflow" AND ("spark" OR "pyspark") AND (error OR exception OR "invalid input")🔗 References
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2023/04/07/3
- https://github.com/apache/airflow/pull/30223
- https://lists.apache.org/thread/lb9w9114ow00h2nkn8bjm106v5x1p1d2
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2023/04/07/3
- https://github.com/apache/airflow/pull/30223
- https://lists.apache.org/thread/lb9w9114ow00h2nkn8bjm106v5x1p1d2
