CVE-2023-42501: Apache Superset Incorrect Default Permissions Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2023-42501: Apache Superset has Incorrect Default Permissions. Affects apache-superset versions < 2.1.2. Fixed in 2.1.2. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- superset · Bitnami
The same CVE-2023-42501 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 Superset is an open-source data visualization and business intelligence tool that allows users to explore and visualize data through a web interface. It provides features such as data exploration, dashboard creation, and reporting. However, prior to version 2.1.2, Superset had a security flaw related to its Gamma role permissions, which could expose sensitive resources to authenticated users.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from unnecessary read permissions granted to the Gamma role within Apache Superset. This misconfiguration allows authenticated users to access and read configured CSS templates and annotations, potentially leading to unauthorized information disclosure. The issue is present in all versions before 2.1.2, making it critical for users to address this flaw to secure their data.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 6.1.0 as of 23 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "apache-superset==6.1.0"Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
2.1.2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "apache-superset==2.1.2"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can manually remove the can_read permission from the Gamma role for the specific resources that are exposed. This can be done through the Superset UI by navigating to the role management section and adjusting the permissions accordingly.
Conclusion
The Apache Superset vulnerability CVE-2023-42501 highlights the importance of proper permission management within software applications. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to version 2.1.2 or later and to follow the recommended steps to secure their installations against unauthorized access.
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FAQ
CVE-2023-42501 is a security vulnerability in Apache Superset that allows authenticated users to read sensitive CSS templates and annotations due to incorrect default permissions.
All versions of Apache Superset prior to 2.1.2 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 4.3, indicating a moderate level of severity.
If an immediate upgrade is not possible, consider manually adjusting the Gamma role permissions to restrict access to sensitive resources as a temporary measure.
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