CVE-2026-81569

Apache DolphinScheduler: Improper Authorization in Sub-Workflow Tasks Allows Unauthorized Workflow Execution

Published Sep 29, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 4.3 Medium EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
An improper authorization vulnerability exists in the handling of sub-workflow tasks. An authenticated user who does not have permission to access a target project can reference and invoke a workflow belonging to that project through a sub-workflow task.



The system does not properly verify whether the user has permission to execute the referenced workflow or access its project. As a result, the user can bypass project-level authorization controls and cause workflows in unauthorized projects to be executed.



Successful exploitation may allow unauthorized execution of workflow tasks and access to the resources or data available to the target workflow.



This issue affects Apache DolphinScheduler: before 3.4.3.



Users are recommended to upgrade to version 3.4.3, which fixes the issue.

Analysis

AI-generated

Technical impact

The vulnerability allows an authenticated user to reference and run a sub‑workflow belonging to a project they do not have permission to access. This bypasses project‑level authorization controls, enabling the attacker to trigger workflow execution in unauthorized projects and potentially expose resources or data managed by those workflows.

Affected Systems

Apache DolphinScheduler installations running any version prior to 3.4.3 are affected. The flaw resides in the component that validates sub‑workflow tasks within the scheduler.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 4.3 indicates a moderate impact, but the flaw is a classic improper authorization that allows an authenticated user to invoke workflows in projects they do not have permission to access. Because the attacker only needs to be logged in, this can be exploited remotely through the standard UI or API calls. The EPSS score is not available and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog, indicating that while the exploitation probability is uncertain, the impact of successful exploitation warrants prompt remediation.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Upgrade Apache DolphinScheduler to version 3.4.3 or later, which includes the fix for this improper authorization flaw.
  • Ensure that RBAC or project‑level permission checks are enabled and verified to prevent sub‑workflow references from bypassing access controls.
  • Monitor logs for unexpected workflow execution attempts and audit user activity to detect potential abuse of sub‑workflow functionality.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on September 30, 2026 at 01:43 UTC.

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

No advisories available
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-285
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 4.3, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Apache
Apache dolphinscheduler
Weaknesses CWE-284
Vendors & Products Apache
Apache dolphinscheduler
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description An improper authorization vulnerability exists in the handling of sub-workflow tasks. An authenticated user who does not have permission to access a target project can reference and invoke a workflow belonging to that project through a sub-workflow task. The system does not properly verify whether the user has permission to execute the referenced workflow or access its project. As a result, the user can bypass project-level authorization controls and cause workflows in unauthorized projects to be executed. Successful exploitation may allow unauthorized execution of workflow tasks and access to the resources or data available to the target workflow. This issue affects Apache DolphinScheduler: before 3.4.3. Users are recommended to upgrade to version 3.4.3, which fixes the issue.
Title Apache DolphinScheduler: Improper Authorization in Sub-Workflow Tasks Allows Unauthorized Workflow Execution
References
Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
apache
Published
Updated
Sep 29, 2026, 3:53 PM
Reserved
Aug 27, 2026, 6:43 AM
Status
Deferred
Published
Sep 29, 2026, 2:17 PM
Modified
Sep 29, 2026, 4:17 PM