CVE-2026-68968: Apache Airflow Backfill API Cross-DAG Authorization Bypass Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2026-68968: Apache Airflow Backfill API parser discrepancy permits cross-DAG authorization bypass. Affects apache-airflow versions < 3.3.1. Fixed in 3.3.1. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- airflow · Bitnami
The same CVE-2026-68968 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
Apache Airflow is an open-source platform designed for orchestrating complex computational workflows. It allows users to programmatically author, schedule, and monitor workflows. Airflow's key features include dynamic pipeline generation, extensibility, and a rich user interface. However, it has a vulnerability in its Backfill API that can lead to unauthorized access across different Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs).
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a discrepancy in how the Backfill API parses the backfill_id. The route handler uses pydantic's NonNegativeInt, while the authorization dependency uses int(). This inconsistency allows an authenticated user with edit permissions on one DAG to manipulate backfills of other DAGs, including reading, pausing, and canceling them. The severity of this issue is high, with a CVSS score of 7.5, as it can lead to unauthorized access and control over workflows.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 3.3.2 as of 22 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "apache-airflow==3.3.2"Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
3.3.1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "apache-airflow==3.3.1"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to upgrade to the patched version as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The CVE-2026-68968 vulnerability in Apache Airflow poses a significant risk by allowing unauthorized access across different DAGs. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to version 3.3.1 or later to protect their workflows from potential exploitation.
See every vulnerability recorded for apache-airflow →
FAQ
CVE-2026-68968 is a vulnerability in Apache Airflow's Backfill API that allows for cross-DAG authorization bypass.
If exploited, this vulnerability allows an authenticated user to manipulate backfills of other DAGs, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive workflows.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to prioritize upgrading to the patched version to mitigate the risk.
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References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for apache-airflow.
