CVE-2025-68675 is a security vulnerability identified in Apache Airflow, an open-source platform widely used for orchestrating complex workflows and data pipelines. The issue arises from the way Apache Airflow versions before 3.1.6 handle proxy URLs embedded within Connection objects. Specifically, these proxy URLs may contain embedded authentication information such as usernames and passwords. However, the software did not classify these proxy fields as sensitive data by default, resulting in the proxy credentials being logged in plaintext whenever the Connection objects are rendered or printed to log files. This behavior violates secure logging practices and corresponds to CWE-532, which concerns the insertion of sensitive information into log files. The exposure of proxy credentials in logs can lead to unauthorized access if attackers gain access to these logs, potentially allowing them to intercept or manipulate network traffic routed through the proxies. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction to be exploited, but it depends on the presence of proxy URLs with embedded credentials in the Airflow configuration. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the risk remains significant due to the sensitive nature of the leaked information. The Apache Software Foundation addressed this vulnerability in version 3.1.6 by ensuring that proxy credentials are properly masked in logs, preventing their exposure. Organizations using affected versions should upgrade promptly to mitigate this risk.

For European organizations, the exposure of proxy credentials in logs can have serious security implications. Proxy credentials often provide access to internal or external network resources, and their compromise could allow attackers to intercept sensitive data, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, or pivot within the network. This is particularly critical for organizations operating in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, where data confidentiality and integrity are paramount. The inadvertent logging of sensitive credentials also increases the risk of insider threats or accidental data leaks, especially if log management practices are insufficiently secure. Additionally, the breach of proxy credentials could undermine trust in data processing pipelines and lead to compliance violations under regulations like GDPR. Since Apache Airflow is commonly used in data engineering and analytics workflows, the compromise of proxy credentials could disrupt business operations and damage organizational reputation. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks leveraging this vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2025-68675, organizations should upgrade Apache Airflow to version 3.1.6 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed by masking proxy credentials in logs. Until the upgrade is applied, organizations should audit their Airflow configurations to identify any proxy URLs containing embedded credentials and remove or replace them with more secure authentication methods, such as environment variables or credential stores. Implement strict access controls and encryption on log files to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Additionally, review and enhance logging policies to exclude sensitive data from logs wherever possible. Employ monitoring and alerting on access to logs containing sensitive information to detect potential misuse. Organizations should also consider rotating proxy credentials if they suspect exposure. Finally, educate DevOps and security teams about secure handling of credentials in configuration files and logs to prevent similar issues.