CVE-2026-45360: CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Apache Software Foundation Apache Airflow
Apache Airflow's scheduler-side deadline-reference decoder (`SerializedCustomReference.deserialize_reference`) imported and dispatched arbitrary class paths drawn from DAG-author-controlled serialized state without an allowlist or plugin-registry gate. A DAG author whose code reaches the scheduler — the default on single-host deployments where the DAG bundle is importable from the scheduler process — could embed a custom `DeadlineReference` whose serialized form named an attacker-controlled module path, causing the scheduler to `import_string(...)` and instantiate that class with a live SQLAlchemy session attached. Affects deployments where DAG-author code is less trusted than the scheduler process. Users are advised to upgrade to `apache-airflow` 3.2.2 or later.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-45360 is a deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability (CWE-502) in Apache Airflow's scheduler component. The scheduler-side deadline-reference decoder (`SerializedCustomReference.deserialize_reference`) imports and dispatches arbitrary class paths from DAG-author-controlled serialized state without an allowlist or plugin registry gate. This allows a DAG author to craft a custom `DeadlineReference` serialized object that names an attacker-controlled module path, causing the scheduler to import and instantiate that class with a live SQLAlchemy session attached. This vulnerability affects deployments where DAG-author code is less trusted than the scheduler process, such as default single-host setups. The issue is fixed in Apache Airflow 3.2.2 and later.
Potential Impact
An attacker with the ability to supply DAG-author code that reaches the scheduler can execute arbitrary code within the scheduler process by exploiting the deserialization flaw. This can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or denial of service. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected Airflow deployment.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in Apache Airflow version 3.2.2 and later. Users should upgrade to version 3.2.2 or newer to remediate this vulnerability. No other official mitigations or temporary fixes are documented. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory recommending upgrade to 3.2.2.
CVE-2026-45360: CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data in Apache Software Foundation Apache Airflow
Description
Apache Airflow's scheduler-side deadline-reference decoder (`SerializedCustomReference.deserialize_reference`) imported and dispatched arbitrary class paths drawn from DAG-author-controlled serialized state without an allowlist or plugin-registry gate. A DAG author whose code reaches the scheduler — the default on single-host deployments where the DAG bundle is importable from the scheduler process — could embed a custom `DeadlineReference` whose serialized form named an attacker-controlled module path, causing the scheduler to `import_string(...)` and instantiate that class with a live SQLAlchemy session attached. Affects deployments where DAG-author code is less trusted than the scheduler process. Users are advised to upgrade to `apache-airflow` 3.2.2 or later.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.3high
Affected software
Apache Software Foundation
Apache Airflow
Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-45360 is a deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability (CWE-502) in Apache Airflow's scheduler component. The scheduler-side deadline-reference decoder (`SerializedCustomReference.deserialize_reference`) imports and dispatches arbitrary class paths from DAG-author-controlled serialized state without an allowlist or plugin registry gate. This allows a DAG author to craft a custom `DeadlineReference` serialized object that names an attacker-controlled module path, causing the scheduler to import and instantiate that class with a live SQLAlchemy session attached. This vulnerability affects deployments where DAG-author code is less trusted than the scheduler process, such as default single-host setups. The issue is fixed in Apache Airflow 3.2.2 and later.
Potential Impact
An attacker with the ability to supply DAG-author code that reaches the scheduler can execute arbitrary code within the scheduler process by exploiting the deserialization flaw. This can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or denial of service. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected Airflow deployment.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in Apache Airflow version 3.2.2 and later. Users should upgrade to version 3.2.2 or newer to remediate this vulnerability. No other official mitigations or temporary fixes are documented. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor advisory recommending upgrade to 3.2.2.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- apache
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-11T22:40:03.868Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a1d4e75e29bf47b50cd4a05
Added to database: 06/01/2026, 09:18:45 UTC
Last enriched: 07/10/2026, 09:55:06 UTC
Last updated: 09/14/2026, 22:01:34 UTC
Views: 97
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.