CVE-2023-25754: Privilege Context Switching Error in Apache Airflow

apache-airflow Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

08/05/2023
Yes i
Critical
9.8

CVE-2023-25754: Apache Airflow vulnerable to Privilege Context Switching Error. Affects apache-airflow versions < 2.6.0b1. Fixed in 2.6.0b1. How to fix ↓

Also tracked for

The same CVE-2023-25754 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.

Free scan

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.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Sponsored Devnack Your last release was probably never penetration tested Manual testing by engineers who build software, not an auditor's checklist. Trusted by teams at Swift and Google Talk to Devnack

Background

Apache Airflow is an open-source platform used for programmatically authoring, scheduling, and monitoring workflows. It allows users to define complex workflows as Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) and execute them on a distributed infrastructure. Apache Airflow versions prior to 2.6.0 are vulnerable to a Privilege Context Switching Error.

Vulnerability Detail

The Privilege Context Switching Error vulnerability in Apache Airflow allows an attacker to switch privilege contexts, potentially leading to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or other malicious activities. This vulnerability affects Apache Airflow versions before 2.6.0. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its critical severity.

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

2.6.0b1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

pip install --upgrade "apache-airflow==2.6.0b1"

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to upgrade to the fixed version as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Conclusion

Apache Airflow versions before 2.6.0 are vulnerable to a Privilege Context Switching Error. This critical vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or other malicious activities. It is recommended to upgrade to Apache Airflow 2.6.0 or later to mitigate the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for apache-airflow →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

Apache Airflow is an open-source platform used for programmatically authoring, scheduling, and monitoring workflows.

A Privilege Context Switching Error refers to a vulnerability that allows an attacker to switch privilege contexts, potentially gaining unauthorized access or escalating privileges.

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or other malicious activities by an attacker.

To fix this vulnerability, upgrade Apache Airflow to version 2.6.0 or later.

No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to upgrade to the fixed version.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for apache-airflow.

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

2.6.0b1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

pip install --upgrade "apache-airflow==2.6.0b1"

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback