CVE-2024-48061: Langflow Langflow RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-48061 Overview

CVE-2024-48061 is a critical Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting Langflow versions 1.0.18 and earlier. The vulnerability exists because Langflow components execute code directly on the local machine rather than within a sandboxed environment. Any component that provides code functionality can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the underlying system.

Critical Impact

Attackers can execute arbitrary code on vulnerable Langflow instances, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within the network.

Affected Products

• Langflow versions ≤1.0.18
• All Langflow installations running without proper sandboxing

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-11-04 - CVE-2024-48061 published to NVD
• 2025-05-28 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-48061

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code, also known as Code Injection). Langflow is an open-source platform designed for building LLM-powered applications through a visual interface. The platform allows users to create and execute custom components and workflows.

The core issue stems from the architecture of Langflow's component execution model. When users create or import components that contain executable code, that code runs directly on the host machine without any sandboxing or isolation. This design flaw means that any user with access to create or modify components can inject and execute arbitrary Python code with the same privileges as the Langflow process.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2024-48061 is the absence of a secure execution sandbox for user-provided code within Langflow components. The application trusts component code implicitly and executes it in the same context as the main application, without implementing proper code isolation, input validation, or execution restrictions.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. An attacker can craft malicious Langflow components containing arbitrary Python code. When these components are loaded or executed within a Langflow instance, the malicious code runs with full system access. This allows attackers to:

• Execute system commands on the host machine
• Read, modify, or delete files accessible to the Langflow process
• Establish reverse shells for persistent access
• Pivot to other systems within the network
• Exfiltrate sensitive data including API keys and credentials

Technical details and proof-of-concept code are available via the GitHub Gist PoC and the detailed vulnerability analysis on Notion.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-48061

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected outbound network connections from Langflow processes
• Unusual child processes spawned by the Langflow application (e.g., shells, network utilities)
• Modifications to system files or creation of new files in unexpected locations
• Suspicious component imports or creations containing obfuscated code
• Anomalous API calls or authentication attempts from the Langflow host

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Langflow process behavior for execution of system commands using EDR solutions
• Implement network monitoring to detect unexpected outbound connections from Langflow instances
• Review Langflow component code for suspicious patterns including os.system(), subprocess, eval(), and exec() calls
• Enable detailed logging for all component creation and modification events

Monitoring Recommendations

• Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions on systems running Langflow
• Implement application-level logging to capture all component executions and their outputs
• Set up alerts for process anomalies involving the Langflow application
• Monitor for indicators of reverse shell establishment or command-and-control communications

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-48061

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Langflow to a version newer than 1.0.18 that includes proper sandboxing
• Restrict network access to Langflow instances using firewall rules
• Implement strong authentication and authorization controls for Langflow access
• Audit existing components for suspicious or untrusted code
• Consider temporarily disabling custom component functionality if upgrading is not immediately possible

Patch Information

Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of Langflow that addresses this vulnerability. Check the official Langflow GitHub repository for the most recent security releases. The vulnerability affects all versions through 1.0.18, so any version above this should contain the necessary fixes for proper code sandboxing.

Workarounds

• Run Langflow instances in isolated containers with restricted privileges and network access
• Implement network segmentation to limit the blast radius if exploitation occurs
• Use application firewalls to restrict incoming requests to trusted sources only
• Deploy Langflow with a non-privileged user account to limit potential damage
• Regularly audit and review all custom components before deployment

# Example: Run Langflow in a restricted Docker container
docker run -d \
  --name langflow-restricted \
  --network=internal-only \
  --read-only \
  --cap-drop=ALL \
  --security-opt=no-new-privileges:true \
  --user 1000:1000 \
  langflowai/langflow:latest