Apache Airflow, an open-source platform widely used for orchestrating complex workflows and data pipelines, contains an authorization flaw identified as CVE-2026-22922 affecting versions 3.1.0 through 3.1.6. The vulnerability arises from incorrect use of privileged APIs (classified under CWE-648), which leads to an authorization bypass. Specifically, users who are authenticated and granted custom permissions limited to task access can exploit this flaw to view task logs, even if they do not have explicit task log access rights. Task logs often contain sensitive operational details, including execution parameters, error messages, and potentially sensitive data processed by workflows. This unauthorized access compromises the confidentiality of information managed within Airflow environments. The flaw does not require elevated privileges beyond authenticated user status, nor does it require user interaction beyond normal system use, making it relatively easy to exploit internally. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability is significant due to the sensitive nature of the exposed data. The Apache Software Foundation addressed this issue in version 3.1.7 by correcting the authorization checks to ensure that task log access permissions are properly enforced. Organizations relying on affected Airflow versions should upgrade promptly to mitigate risk. Additionally, reviewing and tightening user permission configurations can reduce exposure. Monitoring access logs for unusual access patterns to task logs can help detect potential exploitation attempts.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-22922 is primarily a breach of confidentiality, as unauthorized users can access sensitive task logs that may contain operational insights, error details, or sensitive data processed by workflows. This can lead to information leakage, intellectual property exposure, or aid in further attacks by revealing system internals. Organizations in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure may face compliance risks under GDPR and other data protection laws if sensitive data is exposed. The flaw could also undermine trust in data pipeline integrity and operational security. Since Apache Airflow is widely used in data-driven European enterprises, the scope of affected systems can be significant. Although the vulnerability does not directly impact system availability or integrity, the unauthorized access to logs can facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation in complex environments. The ease of exploitation by any authenticated user increases the threat surface, especially in environments with many users or insufficient access controls. Therefore, the impact on confidentiality and potential regulatory consequences make this vulnerability a serious concern for European organizations.

1. Upgrade Apache Airflow to version 3.1.7 or later immediately to apply the official patch that corrects the authorization flaw. 2. Conduct a thorough audit of user permissions within Airflow, ensuring that task log access is granted only to necessary users and roles. 3. Implement the principle of least privilege rigorously, minimizing the number of users with task or task log access. 4. Enable and monitor detailed access logging for task logs to detect any unauthorized or anomalous access patterns promptly. 5. Use network segmentation and access controls to restrict Airflow UI and API access to trusted users and systems only. 6. Consider integrating Airflow with centralized identity and access management (IAM) solutions to enforce consistent and auditable permission policies. 7. Educate administrators and users about the sensitivity of task logs and the importance of adhering to access policies. 8. Regularly review and update Airflow configurations and permissions as part of routine security assessments. 9. If upgrading immediately is not feasible, implement compensating controls such as restricting user accounts that do not require task log access and monitoring for suspicious activity. 10. Stay informed about any emerging exploit reports or additional patches related to this vulnerability.