CVE-2026-41016

What it is

Apache Airflow's SMTP provider `SmtpHook` called Python's `smtplib.SMTP.starttls()` without an SSL context, so no certificate validation was performed on the TLS upgrade. A man-in-the-middle between the Airflow worker and the SMTP server could present a self-signed certificate, complete the STARTTLS upgrade, and capture the SMTP credentials sent during the subsequent `login()` call. Users are advised to upgrade to the `apache-airflow-providers-smtp` version that contains the fix.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-04-30 10:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-26 21:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-04-30 10:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-26 21:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-295 · Improper certificate validation

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Apache Airflow < 3.0.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.9

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

Availability

None