CVE-2026-33858: Dag Authors, who normally should not be able to execute code in the webserver context could craft XCom payload

This month

HIGH 8.8WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-33858 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting airflow. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Dag Authors, who normally should not be able to execute code in the webserver context could craft XCom payload causing the webserver to execute arbitrary code. Since Dag Authors are already highly trusted, severity of this issue is Low. Users are recommended to upgrade to Apache Airflow 3.2.0, which resolves this issue.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 52%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-502
Published	2026-04-13
Last modified	2026-10-26

Publisher (CNA): Apache Software Foundation · Vendor: apache

Last updated 2026-10-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-04-13 15:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 22:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

apache airflow UPGRADE

Affected: >= 3.1.8 and < 3.2.0

Fixed in: 3.2.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.1.8

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy airflow || rpm -q airflow || airflow --version

2. UPGRADE to 3.2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade airflow

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade airflow

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.1.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison airflow sudo apt install airflow=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1.8> sudo apt-mark hold airflow

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list airflow sudo dnf downgrade airflow-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1.8> sudo dnf versionlock add airflow

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-33858?

airflow: upgrade to 3.2.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-33858 being exploited?

CVE-2026-33858 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-33858 affect?

CVE-2026-33858 affects airflow. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). Dag Authors, who normally should not be able to execute code in the webserver context could craft XCom payload causing the webserver to execute arbitrary code. Since Dag Authors are already highly trusted, severity of this issue is Low. U

How urgent is CVE-2026-33858?

Priority 48/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Apache Airflow vulnerabilities

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References

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