CVE-2023-39441
Improper Certificate Validation vulnerability in apache-airflow-providers-smtp (PyPI)

Improper Certificate Validation No known exploit

What is CVE-2023-39441 About?

This vulnerability affects Apache Airflow SMTP/IMAP Providers and Airflow itself, stemming from improper validation of OpenSSL X.509 certificates. The system accepts any certificate, making it susceptible to Man-in-the-Middle attacks that can disclose mail server credentials or content. Exploitation is moderately difficult, requiring a MitM position and knowledge of the target's network communication.

Affected Software

  • apache-airflow-providers-smtp
    • <1.3.0
  • apache-airflow-providers-imap
    • <3.3.0
  • apache-airflow
    • <2.7.0

Technical Details

The vulnerability exists in Apache Airflow SMTP Provider before 1.3.0, Apache Airflow IMAP Provider before 3.3.0, and Apache Airflow before 2.7.0. The core issue is that the default SSL context within these components, when utilizing the OpenSSL library, fails to properly validate the server's X.509 certificate. Instead of verifying the certificate against trusted CAs, hostname, and expiry, the code unconditionally accepts any certificate presented by the server. This critical flaw enables a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacker to intercept encrypted communications. By presenting a self-signed or otherwise invalid certificate, the attacker can decrypt and re-encrypt traffic, thereby gaining access to sensitive information such as mail server credentials (usernames and passwords) or the contents of emails being transmitted. The lack of validation means the client is unknowingly communicating with an attacker instead of the legitimate mail server.

What is the Impact of CVE-2023-39441?

Successful exploitation may allow attackers to intercept sensitive communications, disclose mail server credentials, read email contents, and compromise the confidentiality of data transmitted over seemingly secure channels.

What is the Exploitability of CVE-2023-39441?

Exploitation of this vulnerability requires the attacker to be in a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) position, meaning they must be able to intercept network traffic between the Airflow instance and the mail server. This often involves network-level access or control over a Wi-Fi network, DNS spoofing, or router compromise. No direct authentication is required on the Airflow instance itself for the attack, but the vulnerability impacts the security of authenticated communication with mail servers. The attack is remote, contingent on network positioning. No specific system privileges are needed on the Airflow host, but network-level control is essential. The complexity is moderate, involving setting up an MitM proxy and potentially forging certificates. Environments where encrypted communication is not strictly enforced with proper certificate pinning or validation are at higher risk. The primary prerequisite is the ability to intercept and manipulate network traffic.

What are the Known Public Exploits?

PoC Author Link Commentary
No known exploits

What are the Available Fixes for CVE-2023-39441?

Available Upgrade Options

  • apache-airflow-providers-imap
    • <3.3.0 → Upgrade to 3.3.0
  • apache-airflow-providers-smtp
    • <1.3.0 → Upgrade to 1.3.0
  • apache-airflow
    • <2.7.0 → Upgrade to 2.7.0

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Additional Resources

What are Similar Vulnerabilities to CVE-2023-39441?

Similar Vulnerabilities: CVE-2020-0543 , CVE-2017-15229 , CVE-2016-0701 , CVE-2014-0195 , CVE-2013-6449

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