CVE-2025-27555 is a security vulnerability identified in Apache Airflow, an open-source platform used to programmatically author, schedule, and monitor workflows. The flaw exists in Airflow versions before 2.11.1 and involves the improper handling of sensitive connection parameters when set via the Airflow CLI. Specifically, these sensitive values—such as passwords, tokens, or other confidential connection details—are recorded in audit logs in plaintext and stored unencrypted in the Airflow database. This behavior violates secure logging practices and corresponds to CWE-201, which concerns the insertion of sensitive information into sent data. The vulnerability is limited to authenticated users who have access to audit logs, meaning it requires both authentication and specific permissions. However, such users could potentially extract sensitive credentials from the logs, leading to unauthorized access or lateral movement within the environment. The issue is distinct from but related to CVE-2024-50378, which also involves sensitive data exposure in Airflow. The Apache Software Foundation has addressed this vulnerability in Airflow version 2.11.1 by modifying how sensitive parameters are logged and stored. Users who have previously set connections via CLI should also manually delete any sensitive entries from the log tables to mitigate residual risk. No public exploits have been reported, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk in multi-tenant or shared environments where audit log access is granted to multiple users.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-27555 is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive connection credentials stored in audit logs. This can lead to credential compromise, unauthorized access to backend systems, databases, or services connected via Airflow, and potential lateral movement within an organization's infrastructure. Organizations relying on Airflow for critical data pipelines or workflow automation may face data breaches or operational disruptions if attackers leverage exposed credentials. The vulnerability undermines confidentiality and could indirectly affect integrity and availability if attackers use stolen credentials to manipulate workflows or disrupt services. Since exploitation requires authenticated audit log access, the risk is somewhat contained but remains significant in environments with multiple administrators or auditors. The persistence of sensitive data in unencrypted logs also increases the risk of insider threats or accidental exposure during log backups or exports. Overall, the vulnerability could lead to serious security incidents, especially in large enterprises or cloud environments where Airflow is widely deployed.

To mitigate CVE-2025-27555, organizations should immediately upgrade Apache Airflow to version 2.11.1 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Beyond upgrading, administrators must manually identify and purge sensitive connection parameters from existing audit log tables in the Airflow database to remove residual sensitive data. Access controls should be reviewed and tightened to limit audit log access strictly to trusted personnel. Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) and monitoring audit log access can help detect unauthorized attempts to view sensitive information. Additionally, organizations should consider encrypting audit logs at rest and in transit to reduce exposure risk. Reviewing and minimizing the use of CLI commands that set sensitive connection parameters can also reduce the attack surface. Finally, integrating secrets management solutions to handle credentials securely rather than embedding them directly in Airflow connections can prevent similar issues in the future.