CVE-2026-3514
HIGHIn version 3.6.19 of prefecthq/prefect, an authentication bypass vulnerability exists due to the improper handling of URL path exemptions for health check probes. Specifically, the…
EPSS Exploitation Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) is a daily probability model maintained by FIRST.org. It estimates the likelihood a CVE will be exploited in production environments within the next 30 days, derived from real-world threat intelligence signals.
Description
In version 3.6.19 of prefecthq/prefect, an authentication bypass vulnerability exists due to the improper handling of URL path exemptions for health check probes. Specifically, the authentication middleware exempts any URL path ending with 'health' or 'ready' from authentication checks. This allows an attacker to create resources with names ending in 'health' or 'ready' and access them without authentication. Affected endpoints include those for variables, flows, work pools, work queues, and deployments. This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as API keys and database credentials, stored in Prefect Variables.
Affected Products
prefectprefectDetection & mitigation playbook
Vendor / applianceDetect
Inventory every prefect prefect deployment and check each version against the affected-products list above. Because the exploit targets the running system rather than your application code, also watch for exploitation at the network and runtime layer — O3 flags the exploit behaviour from runtime telemetry and egress traffic even before a vulnerable build is confirmed.
Fix
Apply the prefect prefect security patch or hotfix for CVE-2026-3514 on the affected version, following the vendor advisory for your exact build.
Workarounds
Cut exposure now: restrict the management/admin interface to trusted networks, segment the device, and apply the vendor's recommended configuration mitigations and any WAF/IPS signature. O3's runtime protection blocks the exploit chain at execution, holding the line on unpatched or end-of-life systems until you can patch.
How O3 protects you
O3 detects and blocks CVE-2026-3514 exploitation at runtime: eBPF exploit-chain detection, plus L7 egress monitoring that catches the post-exploitation callback and severs the attacker's outbound channel.
Tailored to CVE-2026-3514. Runtime protection reduces exposure until a permanent patch is applied and verified — it complements patching, it doesn't replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2026-3514 being exploited in your environment?
O3's eBPF runtime sensors and L7 egress monitoring detect and block the CVE-2026-3514 exploit chain at execution — protecting unpatched and end-of-life systems until the vendor patch is applied.