CVE-2026-30966: Parse Server Role Escalation and CLP Bypass Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2026-30966: Parse Server has role escalation and CLP bypass via direct _Join table write. Affects parse-server across 2 version ranges.
< 8.6.20
>= 9.0.0-alpha.1, < 9.5.2-alpha.7
Fixed in 8.6.20 or 9.5.2-alpha.7, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- parse · Bitnami
The same CVE-2026-30966 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 framework that enables developers to build applications with a robust server-side infrastructure. It provides features such as data storage, user authentication, and real-time notifications. However, it has been found to have a critical vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to internal relationship tables, posing a significant security risk.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from Parse Server's internal tables, which manage Relation field mappings like role memberships. These tables can be accessed directly via the REST API or GraphQL API using only the application key, without requiring a master key. This allows attackers to create, read, update, or delete records in any internal relationship table. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can inject themselves into any Parse Role, gaining all associated permissions, including full access to classes protected by role-based Class-Level Permissions (CLP). This can lead to unauthorized data manipulation and exposure.
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.
-
< 8.6.208.6.20npm install parse-server@8.6.20 -
>= 9.0.0-alpha.1, < 9.5.2-alpha.79.5.2-alpha.7npm install parse-server@9.5.2-alpha.7
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. The only effective solution is to update to the patched versions of Parse Server.
Conclusion
The CVE-2026-30966 vulnerability in Parse Server poses a significant security risk due to its potential for role escalation and CLP bypass. It is essential for developers using Parse Server to update to the patched versions to protect their applications from unauthorized access and data manipulation.
See every vulnerability recorded for parse-server →
FAQ
CVE-2026-30966 is a critical vulnerability in Parse Server that allows unauthorized access to internal relationship tables, enabling role escalation and CLP bypass.
You can check if your application is affected by using Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to use the Vulert playground.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, allowing attackers to manipulate or delete records and gain elevated permissions.
Yes, patches are available in versions 9.5.2-alpha.7 and 8.6.20 of Parse Server. It is recommended to update to these versions to mitigate the risk.
Currently, there are no known workarounds for this vulnerability. It is crucial to prioritize updating to the patched versions as soon as possible.
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