CVE-2020-11978
HighExploitedPublic exploitRemote code execution (RCE) in Apache Airflow
Published Jul 27, 2020 · Updated Sep 8, 2026 · Also known as BIT-airflow-2020-11978, GHSA-rvmq-4x66-q7j3, PYSEC-2020-14, TR-21-0447
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-11978 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.7 v4) affecting Airflow (Apache), Apache Airflow (pypi).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 18, 2022. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 99% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Airflow 1.10.11, Apache Airflow 1.10.11, Apache Airflow 1.10.11rc1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v4
8.7
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
99%
Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-11978 brief as a PDF
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Description
An issue was found in Apache Airflow versions 1.10.10 and below. A remote code/command injection vulnerability was discovered in one of the example DAGs shipped with Airflow which would allow any authenticated user to run arbitrary commands as the user running airflow worker/scheduler (depending on the executor in use). If you already have examples disabled by setting load_examples=False in the config then you are not vulnerable.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jan 18, 2022 | Jul 18, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Jan 18, 2022 | Jul 18, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jan 18, 2022 | Jul 18, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jan 18, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
4 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| AirflowApache | See advisory | 1.10.11 |
| Apache Airflowpypi | >= 1.10.10 and below | 1.10.11rc1 |
Patched Releases
Airflow
1.10.11
Apache Airflow
1.10.11, 1.10.11rc1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 27, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Jan 18, 2022
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jan 18, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jan 18, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jan 18, 2022
Last updated
Sep 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-77 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')
- CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://airflow.apache.org/
- advisoryhttps://airflow.apache.org/docs/apache-airflow/stable/installation.html
- advisoryhttps://cxsecurity.com/issue/WLB-2021060019
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://github.com/pberba/CVE-2020-11978
FAQ
Common Questions.
An issue was found in Apache Airflow versions 1.10.10 and below.
Affected: Airflow (Apache); Apache Airflow (pypi) versions >= 1.10.10 and below. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 18, 2022.
Yes. It was added on Jan 18, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jul 18, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Airflow 1.10.11, Apache Airflow 1.10.11, Apache Airflow 1.10.11rc1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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