Authenticated webserver code execution via crafted XCom payloads
Published Apr 13, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026
Unsafe deserialization in Apache Airflow 3.1.8 through 3.1.x allows remote authenticated users to execute code in the webserver. The XCom API accepts payloads containing reserved serialization keys such as __type and __var, then its read path deserializes those values as trusted objects. DAG-author privileges and XCom write access are required, but successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution in the webserver process.
Summary
What happened
Unsafe deserialization in Apache Airflow 3.1.8 through 3.1.x allows remote authenticated users to execute code in the webserver. The XCom API accepts payloads containing reserved serialization keys such as __type and __var, then its read path deserializes those values as trusted objects. DAG-author privileges and XCom write access are required, but successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution in the webserver process.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-33858
- Published
- Apr 13, 2026
- Updated
- Apr 13, 2026
- Vendor
- The Apache Software Foundation
- Product
- Apache Airflow
- Classifications
- CWE-502, T1190
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Apr 13, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Apr 13, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=3.1.8 <3.2.0
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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