Snowflake Connector for Python: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command
CVE-2026-123859 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command vulnerability in Snowflake Connector for Python from Snowflake, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 4.8.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating Snowflake Connector for Python to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.37% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Snowflake Connector for Python to 4.8.1 or a later version.
- Update Snowflake Connector for Python (Universal Core) to 5.2.0 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowflake | Snowflake Connector for Python | 2.3.4 up to, but not including, 4.8.1 | 4.8.1 |
| Snowflake | Snowflake Connector for Python (Universal Core) | 5.0.0b1 up to, but not including, 5.2.0 | 5.2.0 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA.
Official description
When identifier escaping is disabled through a non-default configuration, the write_pandas() data-loading functionality in the Snowflake Connector for Python and the Snowflake Connector for Python (Universal Core) did not escape DataFrame column names before including them in generated SQL, which could allow SQL injection. In both products, a crafted column name could have been used to chain additional SQL statements onto the generated statement, potentially allowing an attacker to read, modify, or delete other data accessible to the application's Snowflake role. Exploitation required an application to pass attacker controlled column names into this functionality. The fix is available in Snowflake Connector for Python version 4.8.1 and Snowflake Connector for Python (Universal Core) version 5.2.0. Users must upgrade manually.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command
The product constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component. Without sufficient removal or quoting of SQL syntax in user-controllable inputs, the generated SQL query can cause those inputs to be interpreted as SQL instead of ordinary user data.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, consider using persistence layers such as Hibernate or Enterprise Java Beans, which can provide significant protection against SQL injection if used properly.
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
- When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command vulnerabilities (CWE-89)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
References
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in Snowflake Connector for Python
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.7 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.7 High severity
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