CVE-2026-33421: Parse Server LiveQuery Bypasses CLP Pointer Permission Enforcement
Summary
CVE-2026-33421: Parse Server's LiveQuery bypasses CLP pointer permission enforcement. Affects parse-server across 2 version ranges.
< 8.6.53
>= 9.0.0, < 9.6.0-alpha.42
Fixed in 8.6.53 or 9.6.0-alpha.42, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- parse · Bitnami
The same CVE-2026-33421 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 quickly and efficiently. It provides features such as data storage, user authentication, and real-time updates through its LiveQuery functionality. However, a recent vulnerability has been identified in the LiveQuery WebSocket interface, which fails to enforce Class-Level Permission (CLP) pointer permissions, potentially exposing sensitive data to unauthorized users.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the LiveQuery interface not enforcing CLP pointer permissions, specifically the 'readUserFields' and 'pointerFields'. This oversight allows any authenticated user to subscribe to LiveQuery events and receive updates for all objects in classes that are supposed to be protected by pointer permissions. As a result, users can access sensitive data that should be restricted, leading to unauthorized data 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.
-
< 8.6.538.6.53npm install parse-server@8.6.53 -
>= 9.0.0, < 9.6.0-alpha.429.6.0-alpha.42npm install parse-server@9.6.0-alpha.42
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Workaround
As a temporary measure, implement Access Control Lists (ACLs) on individual objects to restrict read access instead of solely relying on CLP pointer permissions. This ensures that only authorized users can access specific data.
Conclusion
The vulnerability CVE-2026-33421 in Parse Server's LiveQuery interface poses a significant risk by allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data. It is crucial to update the package to the latest patched version or implement ACLs as a workaround to mitigate this risk.
See every vulnerability recorded for parse-server →
FAQ
The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to access sensitive data through LiveQuery, bypassing intended access controls.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
CLPs are rules that define which users can read or write to specific fields in a database class, ensuring data security and privacy.
Yes, the permanent fix is to update the 'parse-server' package to the specified patched versions.
If an immediate update is not possible, implement ACLs on individual objects to maintain data security until the package can be updated.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for parse-server.
