CVE-2026-17624: IBM Langflow OSS RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2026-17624 Overview

CVE-2026-17624 is an arbitrary code execution vulnerability in IBM Langflow OSS versions 1.0.0 through 1.10.3. The flaw stems from improper validation of module imports within the application. A remote authenticated attacker can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code in the context of the Langflow process. The issue is tracked under CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary code on hosts running IBM Langflow OSS, leading to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability across the affected component and adjacent systems.

Affected Products

IBM Langflow OSS 1.0.0 through 1.10.3
Deployments exposing Langflow authenticated endpoints to network access
Environments integrating Langflow with downstream AI pipelines and data stores

Discovery Timeline

2026-08-05 - CVE-2026-17624 published to NVD
2026-08-06 - Last updated in NVD database
Vendor advisory - IBM Support Page

Technical Details for CVE-2026-17624

Vulnerability Analysis

IBM Langflow OSS is a visual framework used to build language-model workflows in Python. The application accepts user-supplied component definitions that reference Python modules at runtime. CVE-2026-17624 exists because the platform fails to validate these module imports before loading them into the interpreter. An authenticated user can craft a workflow or component that references attacker-controlled module paths. When Langflow processes the request, the interpreter loads and executes the referenced code inside the server process.

The scope of the flaw is elevated because a successful exploit crosses a security boundary. Code executed through the import path runs with the privileges of the Langflow service and can reach secrets, model artifacts, and connected data sources. Attack complexity is described as high, indicating that the attacker must satisfy specific preconditions such as reachable endpoints or workflow submission rights.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing allow-list validation on module names supplied through Langflow component or flow definitions. The application dynamically imports modules based on untrusted input without confirming that the target module belongs to an approved set. This aligns with CWE-94, where untrusted input controls code generation or loading.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires network access to a Langflow instance and valid authentication credentials. The attacker submits a flow, component, or import directive that references a Python module they control or a built-in module that yields code execution when imported. Langflow loads the module, executing the attacker's payload in-process. No user interaction is required beyond the attacker's own authenticated session. For technical details, see the IBM Support advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-17624

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected Python module import events originating from the Langflow process, particularly modules outside the standard component set.
Outbound network connections from the Langflow host to unfamiliar package registries or attacker-controlled hosts.
New or modified files under Langflow component directories that were not deployed through change management.
Child processes spawned by the Langflow service such as sh, bash, python, or curl invocations tied to workflow execution.

Detection Strategies

Audit Langflow application logs for flow or component submissions that reference non-standard module paths or dotted names.
Correlate authentication events with flow execution events to identify low-privilege accounts triggering import-heavy workflows.
Deploy runtime file integrity monitoring on Langflow installation directories to detect injected modules.

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward Langflow application, web server, and host process telemetry to a centralized analytics platform for correlation.
Alert on process lineage where the Langflow interpreter spawns shell interpreters or network utilities.
Track egress traffic from Langflow hosts and baseline normal package-fetch behavior to surface anomalies.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-17624

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade IBM Langflow OSS to a fixed release above 1.10.3 as directed in the IBM Support advisory.
Restrict Langflow access to trusted networks and enforce strong authentication with least-privilege roles.
Review existing accounts and remove or rotate credentials for users that no longer require flow-authoring rights.
Audit deployed flows and components for unexpected module references introduced before patching.

Patch Information

IBM has published remediation guidance on the IBM Support Page. Apply the vendor-supplied fixed version to any deployment running 1.0.0 through 1.10.3. Verify the running version after upgrade and confirm that legacy containers or images are rebuilt from the patched base.

Workarounds

Place Langflow behind an authenticating reverse proxy and block direct internet exposure.
Run the Langflow service as an unprivileged user inside a hardened container with read-only file systems where feasible.
Apply egress filtering so the Langflow host cannot fetch arbitrary packages or reach untrusted destinations.
Disable or restrict flow submission for accounts that do not require component authoring.

bash

# Verify installed Langflow version and upgrade to the fixed release
pip show langflow | grep -i version
pip install --upgrade "langflow>1.10.3"

# Example: run Langflow as a non-root user with restricted egress
docker run --user 1001:1001 --read-only \
  --cap-drop=ALL --network=langflow-restricted \
  langflowai/langflow:latest