CVE-2024-39877: Apache Airflow Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2024-39877: Apache Airflow 2.4.0, and versions before 2.9.3, has a vulnerability that allows authenticated DAG authors to craft a doc_md parameter in a way that could execute arbitrary code in the scheduler context, which should be... Affects apache-airflow versions >= 2.4.0, < 2.9.3. Fixed in 2.9.3. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- airflow · Bitnami
The same CVE-2024-39877 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 to programmatically author, schedule, and monitor workflows. It allows users to define workflows as Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) and provides a rich user interface to manage and visualize these workflows. However, certain versions of Apache Airflow, specifically from 2.4.0 to 2.9.2, are vulnerable to a security flaw that can potentially allow authenticated users to execute arbitrary code within the scheduler context, violating the intended security model.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the ability of authenticated DAG authors to manipulate the 'doc_md' parameter in a way that could lead to the execution of arbitrary code. This is particularly concerning as it undermines the security model of Apache Airflow, which is designed to prevent unauthorized code execution. If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious code on the scheduler, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or disruption of service.
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
2.9.3
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "apache-airflow==2.9.3"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, users can restrict access to the Airflow UI and limit the permissions of DAG authors until they can upgrade to a patched version. This can be done by modifying the role-based access control settings in Airflow to prevent unauthorized users from creating or modifying DAGs.
Conclusion
In summary, the CVE-2024-39877 vulnerability in Apache Airflow poses a significant risk by allowing authenticated users to execute arbitrary code. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to version 2.9.3 or later to mitigate this risk. Additionally, temporary workarounds can be implemented to limit exposure until an upgrade can be performed.
See every vulnerability recorded for apache-airflow →
FAQ
Apache Airflow versions 2.4.0 to 2.9.2 are affected by this vulnerability.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating a high severity level.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
If you cannot upgrade immediately, consider restricting access to the Airflow UI and limiting permissions for DAG authors as a temporary workaround.
More information can be found in the advisory database at https://github.com/pypa/advisory-database/blob/main/vulns/apache-airflow/PYSEC-2024-190.yaml.
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