CVE-2025-30473 is an SQL Injection vulnerability classified under CWE-89 found in the Apache Airflow Common SQL Provider component, specifically affecting the handling of the partition_clause parameter in the SQLTableCheckOperator. This operator is commonly used in DAGs (Directed Acyclic Graphs) to perform SQL checks on tables. The vulnerability occurs because the partition_clause parameter is not properly sanitized or neutralized before being incorporated into SQL commands. Authenticated users with UI access who can trigger DAGs can supply malicious SQL code via this parameter, which the system then executes with the privileges of the Airflow backend. This leads to arbitrary SQL command execution, allowing attackers to escalate privileges, manipulate data, or disrupt workflows. The flaw affects all versions prior to 1.24.1, which includes all currently supported releases before this patch. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no need for user interaction beyond authentication. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages a recommended usage pattern, increasing the likelihood of exploitation in real-world deployments. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the potential for privilege escalation and data compromise is significant. The Apache Software Foundation has addressed this issue in version 1.24.1 by implementing proper input validation and sanitization for the partition_clause parameter, preventing injection attacks.

The impact of CVE-2025-30473 is substantial for organizations using Apache Airflow for workflow orchestration and data pipeline management. Successful exploitation allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data corruption, or deletion. This can compromise sensitive business data, intellectual property, or personally identifiable information (PII). Additionally, attackers may escalate privileges within the Airflow environment, gaining broader control over workflows and backend systems. This could disrupt critical business processes, cause downtime, or enable further lateral movement within the network. Given Airflow's widespread use in data engineering, analytics, and cloud environments, the vulnerability poses a risk to data integrity and availability across industries. The ease of exploitation combined with the high privileges granted to Airflow backend processes exacerbates the threat. Organizations failing to patch may face regulatory compliance issues, reputational damage, and financial losses due to data breaches or operational disruptions.

To mitigate CVE-2025-30473, organizations should immediately upgrade Apache Airflow Common SQL Provider to version 1.24.1 or later, which contains the fix for this vulnerability. Beyond patching, restrict UI access to trusted and authenticated users only, enforcing the principle of least privilege to minimize the risk of malicious DAG triggering. Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Airflow instances to untrusted networks. Monitor Airflow logs and audit trails for unusual DAG trigger activities or unexpected SQL commands. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting the partition_clause parameter. Conduct regular security assessments and code reviews of custom DAGs to ensure no unsafe SQL concatenation practices are used. Finally, educate users and administrators about the risks of SQL injection and the importance of secure parameter handling in Airflow workflows.