CVE-2020-17526: Incorrect Session Validation in Apache Airflow Webserver
Summary
CVE-2020-17526: Incorrect Session Validation in Apache Airflow Webserver versions prior to 1.10.14 with default config allows a malicious airflow user on site A where they log in normally, to access unauthorized Airflow Webserver on Sit... Affects apache-airflow versions < 1.10.14. Fixed in 1.10.14. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- airflow · Bitnami
The same CVE-2020-17526 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
Apache Airflow is an open-source platform used for programmatically authoring, scheduling, and monitoring workflows. It provides a web-based user interface called Airflow Webserver, which allows users to interact with and manage their workflows. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-17526 affects versions of Apache Airflow Webserver prior to 1.10.14 with default configuration.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from incorrect session validation in the Apache Airflow Webserver. It allows a malicious airflow user on site A, where they have logged in normally, to access an unauthorized Airflow Webserver on Site B through the session from Site A. This means that an attacker can gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or perform unauthorized actions on Site B using the session from Site A. It is important to note that this vulnerability does not impact users who have changed the default value for the [webserver] secret_key configuration.
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
1.10.14
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "apache-airflow==1.10.14"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-17526 in Apache Airflow Webserver versions prior to 1.10.14 with default configuration allows a malicious user to access an unauthorized Airflow Webserver on a different site through a session from another site. Upgrading to Apache Airflow Webserver version 1.10.14 or later is recommended to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for apache-airflow →
FAQ
Apache Airflow is an open-source platform used for programmatically authoring, scheduling, and monitoring workflows.
The vulnerability allows a malicious user to access an unauthorized Airflow Webserver on a different site through a session from another site, potentially leading to unauthorized access and actions.
No, this vulnerability only affects versions of Apache Airflow Webserver prior to 1.10.14 with default configuration.
No, the recommended fix for this vulnerability is to upgrade to Apache Airflow Webserver version 1.10.14 or later.
No specific workaround has been mentioned for this vulnerability.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for apache-airflow.
