CVE-2026-54526: Argo Workflows: Incomplete fix for CVE-2026-31892: ArtifactGC.PodSpecPatch bypass of Strict/Secure templateReferencing

Published Jul 16, 2026
·
Updated

Argo Workflows is an open source container-native workflow engine for orchestrating parallel jobs on Kubernetes. Prior to 3.7.15 and 4.0.6, the allow-list fix for CVE-2026-31892 is incomplete because workflow/util/merge.go ValidateUserOverrides and SanitizeUserWorkflowSpec walk only the top-level fields of WorkflowSpec via reflection, and WorkflowSpec.ArtifactGC is allow-listed wholesale; the struct behind that field, WorkflowLevelArtifactGC, has a PodSpecPatch sub-field whose contents flow unmodified into util.ApplyPodSpecPatch on the artifact-GC pod, the same sink the original fix closed for WorkflowSpec.PodSpecPatch, so a user submitting a Workflow under templateReferencing: Strict or Secure (against a referenced WorkflowTemplate that declares an output artifact and setting spec.artifactGC.strategy: OnWorkflowCompletion) can still inject an arbitrary strategic merge patch into the artifact-GC pod, including hostPath volumes, privileged: true, arbitrary image and command, and hostNetwork: true, defeating the stated purpose of Strict/Secure reference mode. This issue is fixed in versions 3.7.15 and 4.0.6.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Argo Argo Workflows>0<3.7.15, >0<4.0.6, >=3.7.15<=3.7.15, >=4.0.6<=4.0.6

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade Argo Workflows to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 3.7.15
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade Argo Workflows to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.0.6

Event History

Jul 16, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:07 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:07 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·07:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-54526?

CVE-2026-54526 has a severity rating of high with a score of 8.9.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-54526?

To address CVE-2026-54526, upgrade to Argo Workflows version 3.7.15 or 4.0.6 or later.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-54526?

CVE-2026-54526 affects Argo Workflows versions prior to 3.7.15 and 4.0.6.

4

What is the nature of the vulnerability in CVE-2026-54526?

CVE-2026-54526 is a bypass vulnerability related to the incomplete fix for CVE-2026-31892 affecting the artifact GC PodSpecPatch.

5

What components should I review for CVE-2026-54526?

Review the workflow/util/merge.go code for ValidateUserOverrides and SanitizeUserWorkflowSpec in relation to CVE-2026-54526.

Contact

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