CVE-2026-59242: Apache Airflow: Arbitrary airflow.* class instantiation on the API server via the XCom deserialize endpoint

Published Aug 12, 2026
·
Updated

Apache Airflow's XCom GET /api/v2/{...}/xcomEntries/{key}?deserialize=true endpoint passed a string-literal payload through BaseXCom.deserializevalue without the checkforbiddenxcomkeys guard, allowing an authenticated API user with XCom write-and-read access to instantiate arbitrary airflow. classes on the API server (CWE-502). An authenticated user who can write an XCom value and then read it back with deserialize=true triggers the unsafe instantiation. Users are advised to upgrade to apache-airflow 3.3.1 or later, which rejects reserved XCom serialization keys submitted as JSON string literals.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Apache Apache Airflow<3.3.1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade apache-airflow to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 3.3.1

Event History

Aug 12, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:35 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:35 PM
DescriptionWeakness
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-59242?

CVE-2026-59242 has a risk severity rating of 50.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-59242?

To fix CVE-2026-59242, ensure that the `_check_forbidden_xcom_keys` guard is implemented in `BaseXCom.deserialize_value`.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2026-59242?

Users of Apache Airflow who have authenticated access to the XCom API endpoints are affected by CVE-2026-59242.

4

What type of attack does CVE-2026-59242 facilitate?

CVE-2026-59242 allows for arbitrary class instantiation via the XCom `GET /api/v2/.../xcomEntries/{key}?deserialize=true` endpoint.

5

What component of Apache Airflow is impacted by CVE-2026-59242?

The impact of CVE-2026-59242 is on the API server and specifically on the XCom feature.

Contact

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