Enhancing Password Security in Airflow: Implementation and Recommendations

Problem:

The client reported several security vulnerabilities in Airflow version 2.5.0, including weak password policies such as allowing passwords with less than 8 characters, lack of password expiration, and absence of enforced password changes during the first login. These weaknesses compromise overall system security and user account integrity.

Solution:

To address these issues, the expert outlined a comprehensive solution involving both user-side actions and application-side patches. The solution aims to enforce stronger password policies and improve overall security measures within the Airflow environment.

Disallow Blank Passwords:

Implement code to prevent users from setting blank passwords.

Minimum Password Length:

Code validation to enforce a minimum password length of 8 characters.

Alphanumeric Requirement:

Add code validation to ensure passwords contain both letters and numbers.

Password Complexity:

Validate that passwords are not identical to or part of the user’s ID.

Force Password Change:

Implement code to force users to change their passwords during their first login.

Password Expiry:

Code validation to enforce password expiration after 30 days.

Password History:

Implement code to maintain a history of the last 5 passwords and prevent reuse.

Password Change Request:

Code enhancement to allow users to request password changes with special characters.

Conclusion:

Following these implementation steps, the client’s security concerns were effectively addressed. The expert emphasized the importance of integrating these changes either for the specific client’s environment or proposing them for inclusion in the Airflow open-source community.