CVE-2026-97678 in Langflow OSS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/07/2026
IBM Langflow OSS 1.0.0 through 1.12.2 could allow a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code due to improper input validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2026
The vulnerability identified in IBM Langflow versions 1.0.0 through 1.12.2 represents a critical security flaw stemming from insufficient validation of user-supplied input within the application's core processing logic. As an open-source framework designed for building and deploying large language model applications, Langflow handles complex data structures and dynamic code execution paths that are inherently sensitive to manipulation. The specific defect lies in the improper sanitization or type-checking mechanisms applied when ingesting external inputs, which allows a remote authenticated attacker to inject malicious payloads into these processing streams. Because authentication is required to access the application interface, this vulnerability targets users who have already established valid credentials, thereby bypassing initial perimeter defenses and exploiting trust relationships within the system architecture.
From a technical perspective, the flaw enables arbitrary code execution by allowing an adversary to manipulate internal variables or function calls that are subsequently evaluated without adequate safeguards. This typically involves crafting specific input sequences that exploit parsing ambiguities or deserialization weaknesses, leading to the unintended invocation of system-level commands or library functions. The attacker can leverage this capability to execute scripts with the privileges of the application process, which often runs with elevated permissions relative to standard user accounts in development environments. Such execution paths may include access to file systems, network interfaces, and environment variables, providing a foothold for further lateral movement within the host infrastructure or connected networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of both the Langflow application and any dependent services. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can gain full control over the underlying server environment, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification of critical configuration files, or deployment of additional malware such as reverse shells or cryptominers. In enterprise settings where Langflow is integrated into broader AI pipelines, this breach could also compromise downstream models and datasets, undermining the reliability of automated decision-making processes. The ability to execute arbitrary code effectively neutralizes any security controls that rely on application-level isolation, making it a high-severity risk for organizations relying on these tools for production workloads.
To mitigate this vulnerability, immediate action is required to update IBM Langflow to version 1.12.3 or later, where the input validation mechanisms have been hardened and patched against known exploitation vectors. Organizations should also implement strict network segmentation policies to limit access to Langflow instances only from trusted IP ranges and enforce multi-factor authentication for all administrative accounts. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls with rules tailored to detect common code injection patterns can provide an additional layer of defense while patches are applied. Regular security audits and static analysis scans focused on input handling routines should be integrated into the development lifecycle to prevent similar flaws from being introduced in future releases. Adhering to industry standards such as CWE-94 for improper control of generation of code or CWE-20 for improper input validation is essential for maintaining robust application security postures. Furthermore, aligning with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to command and script interpretation ensures that monitoring and detection strategies are aligned with real-world adversary behaviors associated with this type of exploitation.