CVE-2026-59242: Apache Airflow: Arbitrary airflow.* class instantiation on the API server via the XCom deserialize endpoint
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
Remediation
Patch Available
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-59242?
CVE-2026-59242 has a risk severity rating of 50.
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`.
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.
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.
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.