CVE-2026-23980 Overview
CVE-2026-23980 is a SQL Injection vulnerability affecting Apache Superset, a popular open-source business intelligence and data visualization platform. This vulnerability allows an authenticated user with read access to conduct error-based SQL injection attacks via the sqlExpression or where parameters within the application.
The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands (CWE-89), enabling attackers to manipulate database queries and potentially extract sensitive information from backend databases. While exploitation requires authentication, the low attack complexity makes this a significant concern for organizations running vulnerable Superset instances.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can leverage error-based SQL injection to extract sensitive data from connected databases, potentially compromising business-critical information and analytics data.
Affected Products
- Apache Superset versions prior to 6.0.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-24 - CVE-2026-23980 published to NVD
- 2026-02-25 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-23980
Vulnerability Analysis
This SQL Injection vulnerability exists in Apache Superset's query handling mechanism, specifically affecting the sqlExpression and where parameters. The application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries executed against connected data sources.
Error-based SQL injection is a technique where attackers deliberately cause database errors to extract information through error messages. In this case, an authenticated user with basic read permissions can craft malicious input that manipulates the underlying SQL query structure, causing the database to reveal sensitive information through error responses.
The vulnerability affects all Apache Superset installations prior to version 6.0.0. Organizations using Superset for business intelligence and data analytics should prioritize patching, as successful exploitation could expose sensitive analytics data and potentially provide a pivot point for further attacks against connected database systems.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization in the query building components of Apache Superset. The sqlExpression and where parameters accept user input that is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper parameterization or escaping of special characters. This allows attackers to break out of the intended query context and inject arbitrary SQL commands.
Attack Vector
The attack is conducted over the network and requires low privileges (authenticated read access). An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:
- Authenticating to the Apache Superset instance with a user account that has read permissions
- Crafting malicious input containing SQL injection payloads targeting the sqlExpression or where parameters
- Submitting requests that trigger error-based SQL injection responses
- Analyzing database error messages to systematically extract sensitive data
The vulnerability allows information disclosure through database error messages. While the attack requires authentication, even users with minimal read-only permissions can exploit this flaw to access data beyond their authorized scope.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-23980
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SQL error messages in application logs containing user-supplied input
- Repeated requests to Superset API endpoints with suspicious sqlExpression or where parameter values
- Abnormal patterns of database errors originating from the Superset application
- Authentication events followed by queries with SQL metacharacters (single quotes, comments, UNION statements)
Detection Strategies
- Monitor application logs for SQL syntax errors that include user-controlled strings
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect common SQL injection patterns in request parameters
- Enable database query logging and audit for queries originating from the Superset service account
- Configure alerting on repeated database errors from Superset connections
Monitoring Recommendations
- Deploy runtime application security monitoring to detect SQL injection attempts in real-time
- Review Superset access logs for users making unusual numbers of requests with complex query parameters
- Monitor database performance metrics for anomalous query patterns that may indicate injection attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-23980
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Apache Superset to version 6.0.0 or later immediately
- Review user access permissions and remove unnecessary read access from accounts
- Implement network segmentation to limit access to Superset instances
- Enable WAF rules to detect and block SQL injection attempts as a defense-in-depth measure
Patch Information
Apache has released version 6.0.0 of Superset which addresses this vulnerability. Users are strongly recommended to upgrade to this version or later. For detailed information about the security fix, refer to the Apache Security Discussion and the OpenWall OSS-Security Post.
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to Apache Superset instances using firewall rules
- Implement additional authentication layers (MFA) for all Superset users
- Review and minimize database permissions for the Superset service account
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall with SQL injection detection rules in front of Superset instances
- Audit and remove unused user accounts to reduce the attack surface
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
