CVE-2025-54550
CVE-2025-54550 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apache Airflow with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-94.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.1)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (45th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-209465
- Weakness: CWE-94
- Affected product: Apache Airflow
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The example example_xcom that was included in airflow documentation implemented unsafe pattern of reading value from xcom in the way that could be exploited to allow UI user who had access to modify XComs to perform arbitrary execution of code on the worker. Since the UI users are already highly trusted, this is a Low severity vulnerability. It does not affect Airflow release - example_dags are not supposed to be enabled in production environment, however users following the example could replicate the bad pattern. Documentation of Airflow 3.2.0 contains version of the example with improved resiliance for that case. Users who followed that pattern are advised to adjust their implementations accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-54550?
- The example example_xcom that was included in airflow documentation implemented unsafe pattern of reading value from xcom in the way that could be exploited to allow UI user who had access to modify XComs to perform arbitrary execution of code on the worker. Since the UI users are already highly trusted, this is a Low severity vulnerability. It does not affect Airflow release - example_dags are not supposed to be enabled in production environment, however users following the example could replicate the bad pattern. Documentation of Airflow 3.2.0 contains version of the example with improved resiliance for that case. Users who followed that pattern are advised to adjust their implementations accordingly.
- How severe is CVE-2025-54550?
- CVE-2025-54550 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2025-54550 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (45th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2025-54550?
- CVE-2025-54550 affects Apache Airflow. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2025-54550?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2025-54550 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2025-54550 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-209465.
- When was CVE-2025-54550 published?
- CVE-2025-54550 was published on 2026-04-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://github.com/apache/airflow/pull/63200
- https://lists.apache.org/thread/3mf4cfx070ofsnf9qy0s2v5gqb5sc2g1
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/15/1
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:airflow:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Threat intelligence
Threat-intel indicators referencing this CVE:
- 8.211.195.173 (ipv4-addr)