CVE-2026-23984 is an authorization bypass vulnerability in Apache Superset, an open-source data visualization and business intelligence platform maintained by the Apache Software Foundation. The flaw specifically affects versions prior to 6.0.0 and targets the SQLLab feature, which allows users to run SQL queries against connected databases. When using PostgreSQL database connections configured as read-only, the system is designed to block Data Manipulation Language (DML) statements such as INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE to prevent unauthorized data changes. However, due to improper input validation and incorrect authorization checks (classified under CWE-863: Incorrect Authorization), an authenticated user with SQLLab access can craft SQL queries that circumvent the read-only verification. This means that despite the read-only setting, malicious users can execute DML commands, potentially modifying or corrupting data. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication and can be exploited remotely, increasing its risk. The CVSS 4.0 base score of 7.1 reflects its high severity, considering the network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required beyond SQLLab access, and no user interaction needed. The scope is limited to PostgreSQL connections in Apache Superset, but given Superset's widespread use in data analytics environments, the impact can be significant. The issue was publicly disclosed on February 24, 2026, and fixed in Apache Superset version 6.0.0. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's nature makes it a critical concern for organizations relying on Superset for data visualization and analysis.

The primary impact of CVE-2026-23984 is unauthorized data modification in PostgreSQL databases accessed through Apache Superset's SQLLab feature. Attackers with authenticated SQLLab access can bypass read-only restrictions and execute DML statements, leading to data integrity loss, corruption, or unauthorized data changes. This can compromise the reliability of business intelligence reports, analytics, and decision-making processes dependent on accurate data. Organizations may face operational disruptions, compliance violations, and reputational damage if sensitive or critical data is altered maliciously. Since Superset is often deployed in enterprise environments for data visualization and analytics, this vulnerability could affect financial, healthcare, governmental, and other sectors relying on PostgreSQL backends. The ease of exploitation without additional user interaction or elevated privileges increases the risk of insider threats or compromised user accounts being leveraged for malicious purposes. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability's characteristics warrant urgent remediation to prevent potential attacks.

1. Upgrade Apache Superset to version 6.0.0 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. 2. Restrict SQLLab access strictly to trusted users and implement strong authentication and authorization controls to minimize the risk of compromised accounts. 3. Monitor database activity logs for unusual DML operations originating from Superset users, especially those with read-only connections. 4. Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit Superset's database connectivity to only necessary systems. 5. Consider additional database-level auditing and alerting on DML statements executed via Superset connections. 6. Review and tighten PostgreSQL user permissions associated with Superset connections to enforce least privilege principles. 7. Educate users about the risks of sharing credentials and enforce multi-factor authentication where possible. 8. Regularly review Superset configurations and update to the latest security patches promptly. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and configuration hardening specific to this vulnerability's exploitation vector.