CVE-2026-35194
HIGHCode injection in SQL code generation in Apache Flink 1.15.0 through 1.20.x and 2.0.0 through 2.x allows authenticated users with query submission privileges to execute arbitrary code…
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
Code injection in SQL code generation in Apache Flink 1.15.0 through 1.20.x and 2.0.0 through 2.x allows authenticated users with query submission privileges to execute arbitrary code on TaskManagers via maliciously crafted SQL queries. The vulnerability affects JSON functions (1.15.0+) and LIKE expressions with ESCAPE clauses (1.17.0+). User-controlled strings are interpolated into generated Java code without proper escaping, allowing attackers to break out of string literals and inject arbitrary expressions.
Users are recommended to upgrade to either version 1.20.4, 2.0.2, 2.1.2 or 2.2.1, which fixes this issue.
Affected Products
flinkapacheDetection & mitigation playbook
Vendor / applianceDetect
Inventory every apache flink 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 remote code execution 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 apache flink security patch or hotfix for CVE-2026-35194 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-2026-35194 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-2026-35194. 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-2026-35194 being exploited in your environment?
O3's eBPF runtime sensors and L7 egress monitoring detect and block the CVE-2026-35194 exploit chain at execution — protecting unpatched and end-of-life systems until the vendor patch is applied.