CVE-2025-62402 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-250 (Execution with Unnecessary Privileges) affecting Apache Airflow version 3.0.0. The issue arises when API users invoke the /api/v2/dagReports endpoint, which allows execution of Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) code within the context of the API server process. This is problematic if the API server is deployed in an environment where DAG files are accessible, as it enables execution of code with the privileges assigned to the API server, which may be higher than necessary. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network with low privileges (PR:L), indicating that an authenticated or semi-trusted user can trigger the flaw. The impact is primarily on confidentiality and integrity, as unauthorized code execution could lead to data leakage or unauthorized changes to workflows or data processed by Airflow. Availability is not impacted directly. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.4, reflecting medium severity. No patches or known exploits are currently documented, but the risk remains significant for environments that do not isolate the API server from DAG file storage. This vulnerability highlights the importance of least privilege principles and proper environment segmentation in Airflow deployments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized execution of workflow code, potentially exposing sensitive data or allowing manipulation of business-critical processes managed by Apache Airflow. Since Airflow is widely used for orchestrating data pipelines and ETL processes, exploitation could compromise data integrity and confidentiality, impacting compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations. The vulnerability could also facilitate lateral movement within networks if the API server privileges allow access to other internal resources. Organizations relying on Airflow for critical data processing in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing could face operational risks and reputational damage. The lack of availability impact reduces the risk of service disruption but does not diminish the threat to data security and process integrity.

To mitigate CVE-2025-62402, organizations should: 1) Ensure that the API server process does not have direct access to DAG files by deploying the API server and DAG storage in isolated environments or containers with strict access controls. 2) Apply the principle of least privilege by running the API server with minimal permissions necessary to operate, avoiding elevated privileges that could be exploited. 3) Restrict network access to the /api/v2/dagReports endpoint to trusted users and systems only, using network segmentation and firewall rules. 4) Monitor API usage logs for unusual or unauthorized access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. 5) Keep Apache Airflow updated and monitor for official patches addressing this vulnerability. 6) Implement role-based access control (RBAC) within Airflow to limit which users can invoke sensitive API endpoints. 7) Conduct regular security audits of Airflow deployments focusing on file permissions and API exposure.