CVE-2022-40189 is a critical OS command injection vulnerability (CWE-78) found in the Apache Airflow Pig Provider component maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. Apache Airflow is a widely used open-source platform for orchestrating complex workflows and data pipelines. The Pig Provider is an optional plugin that integrates Apache Pig, a platform for analyzing large data sets, into Airflow workflows. This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands constructed and executed within the task execution context. Specifically, an attacker without write access to Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) files can manipulate commands executed by Airflow tasks, leading to arbitrary command execution on the underlying operating system. This flaw affects all Pig Provider versions prior to 4.0.0 and any Apache Airflow versions prior to 2.3.0 if the Pig Provider is installed. Notably, Pig Provider 4.0.0 requires Airflow 2.3.0 or later, so upgrading Airflow alone is insufficient without also upgrading the Pig Provider. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, indicating critical severity, with attack vector being network-based, no privileges or user interaction required, and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the potential for remote unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands within Airflow task contexts poses a significant risk to affected environments. This can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, disruption of workflow automation, and lateral movement within enterprise networks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require write access to DAG files, lowering the barrier for exploitation in multi-tenant or shared Airflow deployments.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-40189 can be severe, especially for enterprises relying on Apache Airflow for critical data processing and workflow automation in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, and public services. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of business-critical workflows, and potential ransomware or data exfiltration attacks. Given Airflow's role in orchestrating complex pipelines, compromise could cascade, affecting multiple downstream systems and services. This risk is amplified in cloud and hybrid environments where Airflow instances may be exposed to wider networks. Additionally, the vulnerability could undermine compliance with stringent European data protection regulations such as GDPR, as attackers could access or manipulate personal data. The critical nature of the vulnerability demands urgent remediation to prevent potential operational and reputational damage.

1. Immediate upgrade: Organizations should upgrade Apache Airflow to version 2.3.0 or later and ensure the Pig Provider plugin is upgraded to version 4.0.0 or higher. Since Pig Provider 4.0.0 requires Airflow 2.3.0+, both components must be updated in tandem. 2. Restrict network exposure: Limit network access to Airflow web servers and task execution environments using firewalls, VPNs, or zero-trust network segmentation to reduce the attack surface. 3. Implement strict access controls: Enforce least privilege principles for Airflow users and service accounts, ensuring that only authorized personnel can deploy or modify DAGs and plugins. 4. Monitor and audit: Enable detailed logging and monitoring of Airflow task executions and command invocations to detect anomalous or unauthorized command activity. Integrate logs with SIEM solutions for real-time alerting. 5. Isolate execution environments: Run Airflow task executors in isolated containers or sandboxed environments to contain potential exploitation impact. 6. Review plugin usage: Evaluate the necessity of the Pig Provider plugin; if not required, consider uninstalling it to eliminate the attack vector. 7. Apply runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block suspicious command executions within Airflow environments. 8. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focused on Airflow deployments to identify residual risks.