CVE-2026-23981 Apache CVE debrief

Who should care

Users of Apache Superset, administrators of Superset instances, security teams monitoring for unauthorized dashboard modifications, and operators responsible for Superset deployments should be aware of this vulnerability. Those with chart update permissions need to be cautious about modifying dashboards they do not own, and security teams should monitor dashboard changes for potential unauthorized modifications. Additionally, vulnerability management teams should prioritize upgrading to version 6.0.0 or later to mitigate this issue.

Technical summary

The UpdateChartCommand in Apache Superset before version 6.0.0 fails to verify that the user has write permissions for the target dashboards specified in the request body, allowing authenticated users with chart update permissions to modify dashboards they do not own. This issue arises from insufficient authorization checks in the command, which could lead to unauthorized modifications of dashboards by users with chart update permissions.

Defensive priority

Authenticated users with chart update permissions may be able to modify dashboards they do not own; upgrade to 6.0.0.

Recommended defensive actions

• Upgrade Apache Superset to version 6.0.0 or later
• Restrict chart update permissions to authorized users
• Monitor dashboard modifications for unauthorized changes
• 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
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The vulnerability exists in Apache Superset before version 6.0.0, allowing authenticated users with chart update permissions to modify dashboards they do not own due to improper authorization in the UpdateChartCommand. Evidence is limited to public CVE and NVD sources, which may not reflect the full scope of affected deployments or potential impact. Defenders should verify Superset instance configurations, user permissions, and dashboard access controls. Additional review is recommended for instances with custom authentication or authorization schemes.

Official resources