CVE-2026-32943 in parse-server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/19/2026
Parse Server is an open source backend that can be deployed to any infrastructure that can run Node.js. Prior to 9.6.0-alpha.28 and 8.6.48, the password reset mechanism does not enforce single-use guarantees for reset tokens. When a user requests a password reset, the generated token can be consumed by multiple concurrent requests within a short time window. An attacker who has intercepted a password reset token can race the legitimate user's password reset request, causing both requests to succeed. This may result in the legitimate user believing their password was changed successfully while the attacker's password takes effect instead. All Parse Server deployments that use the password reset feature are affected. Starting in versions 9.6.0-alpha.28 and 8.6.48, the password reset token is now atomically validated and consumed as part of the password update operation. The database query that updates the password includes the reset token as a condition, ensuring that only one concurrent request can successfully consume the token. Subsequent requests using the same token will fail because the token has already been cleared. There is no known workaround other than upgrading.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2026-32943 affects Parse Server versions prior to 9.6.0-alpha.28 and 8.6.48, presenting a critical security flaw in the password reset mechanism that undermines the integrity of user authentication processes. This issue stems from the lack of single-use enforcement for password reset tokens, creating a race condition scenario where multiple concurrent requests can successfully utilize the same token within a brief time window. The fundamental flaw lies in how the system handles token validation during the password reset process, allowing for potential unauthorized access through malicious token interception and concurrent exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic race condition attack vector where the password reset token validation occurs separately from the password update operation. When a user initiates a password reset, the system generates a token that should be consumed only once, but due to the absence of atomic validation, multiple requests can simultaneously validate and consume the same token. This design flaw creates a window of opportunity where an attacker can intercept a reset token and race against the legitimate user's request, potentially succeeding in changing the password to an attacker-controlled value while the victim believes their password was successfully updated. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-362, which describes a race condition flaw where concurrent operations can interfere with each other, and represents a significant weakness in the authentication flow that violates the principle of least privilege and atomic operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete account compromise and potential data breaches within affected systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness to silently take control of user accounts without detection, since the legitimate user receives a confirmation message indicating successful password change while the attacker's password takes effect. This scenario creates a false sense of security for users who believe their account security measures are functioning correctly. The vulnerability affects all Parse Server deployments that utilize the password reset feature, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on this open-source backend solution for their applications. The attack vector is relatively straightforward and does not require sophisticated techniques, making it accessible to attackers with basic knowledge of web application exploitation methods and increasing the potential for widespread impact.
The remediation implemented in versions 9.6.0-alpha.28 and 8.6.48 addresses this vulnerability through atomic validation and consumption of password reset tokens during the password update process. The solution ensures that database queries which update passwords include the reset token as a validation condition, making it impossible for multiple concurrent requests to successfully consume the same token. This approach follows the principle of atomic operations and database transaction integrity, aligning with security best practices for authentication mechanisms. The implementation prevents subsequent requests using the same token from succeeding by ensuring the token is cleared upon first successful consumption, which directly addresses the race condition vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to these patched versions as there are no known workarounds or mitigations that can effectively address this specific flaw without complete system modification. The fix represents a fundamental improvement in the authentication flow that aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation, specifically addressing the weakness in password reset token handling that could be exploited to maintain persistent access to user accounts.