CVE-2026-40861
Apache Airflow: Arbitrary File Read via Log Symlink following in FileTaskHandler
Description
A Dag author could either (a) create a symlink under their task's log directory pointing to an arbitrary file readable by the API server process (read-path attack — e.g. `/etc/passwd` or `airflow.cfg`) or (b) supply a `task_id` containing `..` sequences accepted by the Task SDK's `KEY_REGEX` (write-path attack), and in both cases the FileTaskHandler resolves the log path outside the configured `base_log_folder`, leaking or overwriting arbitrary files. Only affects deployments where the worker log folder is shared with the API server. Users are advised to upgrade to `apache-airflow` 3.2.2 or later. As a defense-in-depth mitigation, deploy the worker and API server with separate log volumes so that worker-controlled paths cannot reach the API server's filesystem.
CVSS Vector Breakdown
AV:NAttack VectorAC:LAttack ComplexityPR:LPrivileges RequiredUI:NUser InteractionS:UScopeC:HConfidentialityI:NIntegrityA:NAvailabilityWeaknesses
Affected Products
Attack Graph
Click technique nodes to view MITRE ATT&CK details. Scroll to zoom, drag to pan.
Exploitability
MITRE ATT&CK
2 techniquesReferences
Timeline
Unlock Complete Vulnerability Intelligence
Get the full picture for CVE-2026-40861 and every CVE in our database. Create a free account — no credit card required.
Create Free Account