CVE-2026-31828 in parse-server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2026
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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-31828 affects Parse Server versions prior to 9.5.2-alpha.13 and 8.6.26, specifically targeting the LDAP authentication adapter implementation. This open-source backend platform, designed to run on Node.js infrastructure, introduces a critical security flaw that exploits improper input handling within LDAP operations. The vulnerability stems from the direct interpolation of user-supplied data into LDAP Distinguished Names and group search filters without adequate sanitization or escaping of special characters. This fundamental flaw creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the underlying LDAP structure during authentication processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user credentials are processed through the LDAP authentication adapter, particularly when group-based access control is implemented. The authData.id parameter, which contains user-supplied input, is directly embedded into LDAP DN structures and group membership queries without proper escaping mechanisms. This allows attackers with valid LDAP credentials to craft malicious input that alters the intended LDAP query structure, potentially bypassing group membership verification checks. The vulnerability specifically targets the bind DN construction process where special LDAP characters such as parentheses, asterisks, and other metacharacters can be used to manipulate the authentication flow. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-77: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command, which is a well-documented pattern of command injection vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, enabling privilege escalation attacks that can compromise the integrity of group-based access control systems. Any authenticated LDAP user can potentially escalate their privileges to gain membership in restricted groups, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries of the system. This vulnerability undermines the core principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized access to restricted resources through manipulation of the authentication process. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations that rely on LDAP for centralized identity management and role-based access control, as it can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of sensitive information. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as it enables attackers to leverage legitimate authentication mechanisms to gain elevated privileges.
Organizations utilizing Parse Server with LDAP authentication must implement immediate mitigations to protect their systems from exploitation. The primary solution involves upgrading to Parse Server versions 9.5.2-alpha.13 or 8.6.26, which contain the necessary patches to properly escape special characters in LDAP queries. Additionally, administrators should review and implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize user-supplied data before it is processed in LDAP operations. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential injection points within LDAP integration components and ensure that all authentication adapters follow secure coding practices. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched environment to verify that legitimate user authentication continues to function correctly while preventing the exploitation of the LDAP injection vulnerability.