CVE-2025-30168 in parse-server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2025
Parse Server is an open source backend that can be deployed to any infrastructure that can run Node.js. Prior to 7.5.2 and 8.0.2, the 3rd party authentication handling of Parse Server allows the authentication credentials of some specific authentication providers to be used across multiple Parse Server apps. For example, if a user signed up using the same authentication provider in two unrelated Parse Server apps, the credentials stored by one app can be used to authenticate the same user in the other app. Note that this only affects Parse Server apps that specifically use an affected 3rd party authentication provider for user authentication, for example by setting the Parse Server option auth to configure a Parse Server authentication adapter. The fix of this vulnerability requires to upgrade Parse Server to a version that includes the bug fix, as well as upgrade the client app to send a secure payload, which is different from the previous insecure payload. This vulnerability is fixed in 7.5.2 and 8.0.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-30168 affects Parse Server versions prior to 7.5.2 and 8.0.2, representing a critical security flaw in the authentication handling mechanism of this open-source backend framework. Parse Server serves as a comprehensive backend solution for mobile and web applications, enabling developers to deploy infrastructure on any Node.js compatible environment. The vulnerability specifically targets the third-party authentication handling functionality, which allows developers to integrate various authentication providers through the Parse Server authentication adapter configuration. This flaw creates a cross-application credential leakage scenario where authentication tokens and credentials from one Parse Server application can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to other unrelated applications using the same authentication provider.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient isolation mechanisms between different Parse Server applications when handling third-party authentication credentials. When users authenticate through supported providers such as Facebook, Google, or other OAuth-based services, the system fails to properly scope or namespace the authentication tokens within the context of individual applications. This lack of proper credential isolation means that a user who registers or authenticates through one Parse Server instance can potentially use those same credentials to access another Parse Server application that employs the same authentication provider, creating a dangerous credential reuse vulnerability across application boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for organizations relying on Parse Server for their backend infrastructure. Attackers could exploit this flaw to move laterally between different Parse Server applications within the same ecosystem, potentially accessing sensitive user data, performing unauthorized operations, or conducting account takeovers. The vulnerability affects any Parse Server deployment that utilizes third-party authentication providers through the auth configuration option, making it particularly concerning for multi-tenant environments or organizations running multiple Parse Server instances. This cross-application credential leakage represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and could enable attackers to compromise multiple applications simultaneously.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a specific implementation weakness in authentication token management. The fix requires a coordinated approach involving both server-side and client-side updates, as organizations must upgrade to Parse Server versions 7.5.2 or 8.0.2 and ensure that client applications send secure payloads instead of the previous insecure ones. The remediation process involves not only updating the Parse Server software but also modifying client applications to properly implement secure authentication payloads, which may require code modifications and thorough testing. Organizations should implement a comprehensive audit of their Parse Server deployments to identify all affected instances and ensure that the upgrade process is completed without disrupting existing user authentication flows. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper credential scoping and application isolation in distributed authentication systems and highlights the need for careful consideration of third-party integration security implications.