CVE-2026-30949: Parse Server Keycloak Adapter Lacks Audience Validation
Summary
CVE-2026-30949: Parse Server missing audience validation in Keycloak authentication adapter. Affects parse-server across 2 version ranges.
< 8.6.18
>= 9.0.0, < 9.5.2-alpha.5
Fixed in 8.6.18 or 9.5.2-alpha.5, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- parse · Bitnami
The same CVE-2026-30949 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
Parse Server is an open-source backend platform that enables developers to build applications quickly and efficiently. It provides a range of features including a flexible data model, user authentication, and real-time capabilities. The Keycloak authentication adapter allows Parse Server to integrate with Keycloak, an open-source identity and access management solution. However, a critical vulnerability has been identified in the Keycloak adapter that compromises the security of applications using multiple client applications within the same Keycloak realm.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the Keycloak authentication adapter's failure to validate the 'azp' (authorized party) claim of access tokens against the configured 'client-id'. This oversight allows a valid access token issued for a different client application within the same Keycloak realm to authenticate as any user on the Parse Server. Consequently, this can lead to cross-application account takeover, posing a significant risk to user data and application integrity.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 9.10.5 as of 22 Oct 2026
npm install parse-server@9.10.5Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the versions below are the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you can't move to the latest
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 8.6.188.6.18npm install parse-server@8.6.18 -
>= 9.0.0, < 9.5.2-alpha.59.5.2-alpha.5npm install parse-server@9.5.2-alpha.5
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
There are no workarounds available for this vulnerability. The only solution is to apply the patches provided in the updated versions of Parse Server.
Conclusion
The CVE-2026-30949 vulnerability in the Parse Server Keycloak authentication adapter poses a serious risk of account takeover due to inadequate audience validation. It is crucial for developers using this adapter to update to the latest patched versions to ensure the security of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for parse-server →
FAQ
The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to user accounts across different client applications within the same Keycloak realm, leading to potential account takeover.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By utilizing the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected without any signup.
All Parse Server deployments using the Keycloak authentication adapter with a Keycloak realm that has multiple client applications are affected, specifically versions prior to 9.5.2-alpha.5 and 8.6.18.
Unfortunately, there are no workarounds available for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to update to the patched versions as soon as possible.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.6, indicating a high severity level.
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