CVE-2026-86473

CVE-2026-86473 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Apache Airflow with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.1. 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-613.

Key facts

Description

Apache Airflow: the Core API logout endpoint revokes only a session token presented as the _token cookie. When a client logs out presenting its credential as an Authorization bearer header instead, the endpoint returns its normal logout response but revokes nothing, so the token remains valid until it expires. An attacker who already holds a copy of that token keeps the victim's access after the victim has logged out and believes the session ended; the default token lifetime is 24 hours and is configurable. Affects API clients that authenticate with a bearer token rather than the browser session cookie. The attacker must already possess a copy of a valid token; obtaining one is outside the scope of this issue, and no privileges beyond the victim's own are gained. Users of apache-airflow are recommended to upgrade to apache-airflow version 3.3.2 or later, which fixes the issue.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-86473?
Apache Airflow: the Core API logout endpoint revokes only a session token presented as the _token cookie. When a client logs out presenting its credential as an Authorization bearer header instead, the endpoint returns its normal logout response but revokes nothing, so the token remains valid until it expires. An attacker who already holds a copy of that token keeps the victim's access after the victim has logged out and believes the session ended; the default token lifetime is 24 hours and is configurable. Affects API clients that authenticate with a bearer token rather than the browser session cookie. The attacker must already possess a copy of a valid token; obtaining one is outside the scope of this issue, and no privileges beyond the victim's own are gained. Users of apache-airflow are recommended to upgrade to apache-airflow version 3.3.2 or later, which fixes the issue.
How severe is CVE-2026-86473?
CVE-2026-86473 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.1, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2026-86473 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (53rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-86473?
CVE-2026-86473 affects Apache Airflow. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-86473?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2026-86473 published?
CVE-2026-86473 was published on 2026-09-21 and last updated on 2026-09-25.

References

Affected products (1)

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