CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-31828NVD status: Analyzed

parse-server: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-31828 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an LDAP query 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.13; < 8.6.26. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.49% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of parse-server you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Parse-communityparse-server>= 9.0.0 < 9.5.2-alpha.13; < 8.6.26Not 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 systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.06.0MediumCNA (github.com)
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD

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.13 and 8.6.26, the LDAP authentication adapter is vulnerable to LDAP injection. User-supplied input (authData.id) is interpolated directly into LDAP Distinguished Names (DN) and group search filters without escaping special characters. This allows an attacker with valid LDAP credentials to manipulate the bind DN structure and to bypass group membership checks. This enables privilege escalation from any authenticated LDAP user to a member of any restricted group. The vulnerability affects Parse Server deployments that use the LDAP authentication adapter with group-based access control. This vulnerability is fixed in 9.5.2-alpha.13 and 8.6.26.

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 LDAP Query

The product constructs all or part of an LDAP query using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended LDAP query when it is sent to a downstream component.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query vulnerabilities (CWE-90)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in parse-server

All parse-server vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query vulnerabilities

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