parse-server: Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-30949 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in parse-server from Parse-community, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected parse-server versions: >= 9.0.0 < 9.5.2-alpha.5; < 8.6.18. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.48% 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
- Check which version of parse-server you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parse-community | parse-server | >= 9.0.0 < 9.5.2-alpha.5; < 8.6.18 | Not stated |
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
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 7.6 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
Parse Server is an open source backend that can be deployed to any infrastructure that can run Node.js. Prior to 9.5.2-alpha.5 and 8.6.18, the Keycloak authentication adapter does not validate the azp (authorized party) claim of Keycloak access tokens against the configured client-id. A valid access token issued by the same Keycloak realm for a different client application can be used to authenticate as any user on the Parse Server that uses the Keycloak adapter. This enables cross-application account takeover in multi-client Keycloak realms. All Parse Server deployments that use the Keycloak authentication adapter with a Keycloak realm that has multiple client applications are affected. This vulnerability is fixed in 9.5.2-alpha.5 and 8.6.18.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/8.6.18Product, Release Notes
- github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/9.5.2-alpha.5Product, Release Notes
Other vulnerabilities in parse-server
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
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