CVE-2026-49487 Apache Software Foundation CVE debrief

Who should care

Users of Apache Airflow, particularly those with DAG-scoped task-instance read access, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it. This includes upgrading to Apache Airflow version 3.3.0 or later, which masks sensitive values in trigger kwargs returned by the API. Additionally, users should review and restrict DAG-scoped task-instance read access, and monitor API requests and responses for sensitive information.

Technical summary

In Apache Airflow before 3.3.0, the REST API task-instance detail and list endpoints returned a deferred task's trigger kwargs without masking. When a deferred operator passed a secret, such as a provider API key, into its trigger, any authenticated user with DAG-scoped task-instance read access for that DAG could read that secret in clear text while the task was deferred. Users should upgrade to apache-airflow 3.3.0 or later, which masks sensitive values in trigger kwargs returned by the API. This change prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Defensive priority

High, as sensitive information disclosure can lead to significant security risks if not addressed promptly and properly. Users with DAG-scoped task-instance read access are at higher risk and should prioritize mitigation efforts immediately. Upgrading to Apache Airflow 3.3.0 or later is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information through the REST API task-instance detail and list endpoints. Furthermore, reviewing and restricting access controls, as well as enhancing monitoring for API requests and responses, are essential defensive measures to protect against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The high priority also reflects the potential for attackers to exploit this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive information, such as provider API keys, which could lead to further security breaches if not properly mitigated. Therefore, a proactive and thorough approach to addressing this vulnerability is necessary to ensure the security and integrity of Apache Airflow deployments. The vulnerability's high defensive priority underscores the importance of prompt action to prevent potential security incidents and minimize the risk of sensitive information disclosure. By prioritizing mitigation efforts and taking proactive steps to address this vulnerability, users can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and protect their Apache Airflow deployments from potential exploitation. The high defensive priority of this vulnerability highlights the critical need for users to take immediate action to upgrade to Apache Airflow 3.3.0 or later and implement additional defensive measures to prevent potential security incidents. By doing so, users can ensure the security and integrity of their Apache Airflow deployments and protect against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The high priority of this vulnerability also emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and review of API requests and responses to detect and respond to potential security incidents in a timely and effective manner. By prioritizing mitigation efforts and taking proactive steps to address this vulnerability, users can minimize the risk of security bre.

Recommended defensive actions

• Upgrade to Apache Airflow version 3.3.0 or later
• Review and restrict DAG-scoped task-instance read access
• Monitor API requests and responses for sensitive information
• Verify the existence and impact of the vulnerability through other means
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-07T10:16:41.723Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently Received. Limited information is available about the vulnerability, and users are advised to review the Apache Airflow documentation and upgrade to a patched version. Evidence is limited, so defenders should verify the vulnerability's existence and impact through other means.

Official resources