CVE-2025-68675 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-532 (Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File) affecting Apache Airflow versions before 3.1.6. Apache Airflow is a widely used open-source platform for programmatically authoring, scheduling, and monitoring workflows. The vulnerability arises because proxy URLs embedded with authentication credentials within Connection objects are not treated as sensitive data by default. Consequently, when these Connection objects are rendered or logged, the proxy credentials are output in plaintext logs. This can lead to credential leakage if logs are accessed by unauthorized parties, potentially allowing attackers to use these credentials to access proxy services or pivot further into the network. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.5 (high), reflecting network exploitability without privileges or user interaction, with a high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it easier to exploit if logs are accessible remotely or through compromised systems. The issue was addressed in Apache Airflow version 3.1.6, which masks sensitive proxy information in logs to prevent credential exposure. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure logging practices and careful handling of sensitive data within software components.

For European organizations, the exposure of proxy credentials in logs can have significant security implications. If attackers gain access to logs—whether through compromised systems, insider threats, or misconfigured log management—they can retrieve proxy credentials and potentially access internal or external network resources. This could lead to unauthorized data access, lateral movement within networks, or interception of network traffic. Organizations relying on Apache Airflow for critical data pipelines, automation, or orchestration in sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, and government are particularly at risk. The confidentiality breach could result in regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to inadequate protection of sensitive information. Additionally, the ease of exploitation without authentication increases the threat surface, especially in environments where logs are aggregated or accessible over the network. The lack of impact on integrity and availability limits the threat to data confidentiality but still poses a serious risk to operational security and privacy.

European organizations should immediately upgrade Apache Airflow installations to version 3.1.6 or later to ensure proxy credentials are masked in logs. Until the upgrade can be performed, organizations should audit and restrict access to log files, ensuring only authorized personnel can view logs containing sensitive information. Implement log sanitization or filtering mechanisms to redact sensitive proxy information before logs are stored or transmitted. Review and harden logging configurations to avoid verbose logging of sensitive data. Employ network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of log management systems. Conduct regular security audits and monitoring to detect unauthorized access to logs. Additionally, rotate proxy credentials that may have been exposed prior to patching to prevent misuse. Educate development and operations teams about secure logging practices and the risks of logging sensitive information.