CVE-2026-40861: A Dag author could either (a) create a symlink under their task's log directory pointing to an arbitrary file
CVE-2026-40861 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting airflow. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
A Dag author could either (a) create a symlink under their task's log directory pointing to an arbitrary file readable by the API server process (read-path attack — e.g. `/etc/passwd` or `airflow.cfg`) or (b) supply a `task_id` containing `..` sequences accepted by the Task SDK's `KEY_REGEX` (write-path attack), and in both cases the FileTaskHandler resolves the log path outside the configured `base_log_folder`, leaking or overwriting arbitrary f
Why this priority
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 6.5 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.7% (top 47%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-59 |
| Published | 2026-06-01 |
| Last modified | 2026-07-21 |
Last updated 2026-07-21 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2026-40861?
airflow: upgrade to 3.2.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2026-40861 being exploited?
CVE-2026-40861 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-2026-40861 affect?
CVE-2026-40861 affects airflow. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). A Dag author could either (a) create a symlink under their task's log directory pointing to an arbitrary file readable by the API server process (read-path attack — e.g. `/etc/passwd` or `airflow.cfg`) or (b) supply a `task_id` containing `
How urgent is CVE-2026-40861?
Priority 41/100. On your watchlist
Software pages
Apache Airflow vulnerabilities
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