What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-28218?

CVE-2026-28218 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.4 (Medium). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N. EPSS exploitation probability: 0.0%.

Which versions of Discourse are affected by CVE-2026-28218?

Organizations using Discourse should be aware of moderate risk from CVE-2026-28218, a improper access control vulnerability rated CVSS 5.4.

Discourse CVE-2026-28218

MEDIUM

Improper Access Control (CWE-284)

2026-02-26 security-advisories@github.com

Authentication Bypass Discourse

5.4

CVSS 3.1 · GitHub Advisory

Severity by source

GitHub Advisory PRIMARY

5.4 MEDIUM

AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N

Primary rating from GitHub Advisory · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorGitHub Advisory

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N

Attack Vector

Network

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

Low

User Interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

Low

Availability

None

Lifecycle Timeline

Analysis Generated

Mar 12, 2026 - 21:56 vuln.today

CVE Published

Feb 26, 2026 - 22:20 nvd

MEDIUM 5.4

DescriptionGitHub Advisory

Discourse is an open source discussion platform. Prior to versions 2025.12.2, 2026.1.1, and 2026.2.0, fail-open access control in Data Explorer plugin allows any authenticated user to execute SQL queries that have no explicit group assignments, including built-in system queries. Versions 2025.12.2, 2026.1.1, and 2026.2.0 patch the issue. As a workaround, either explicitly set group permissions on each Data Explorer query that doesn't have permissions, or disable discourse-data-explorer plugin.

AnalysisAI

The Data Explorer plugin in Discourse prior to versions 2025.12.2, 2026.1.1, and 2026.2.0 fails to properly enforce access controls, allowing any authenticated user to execute arbitrary SQL queries against unprotected queries, including system-level queries. This affects all installations with the Data Explorer plugin enabled and permits authenticated attackers to access or modify sensitive data without proper authorization. …

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Vulnerability AssessmentAI

Risk Assessment	CVSS 5.4 (MEDIUM). … Full risk analysis with EPSS, KEV, and SSVC signal comparison available after sign-in.
Exploit Scenario	An attacker (requires authentication) could exploit this vulnerability to compromise the affected system.
Remediation	Monitor vendor advisories for a patch. … Detailed patch versions, workarounds, and compensating controls in full report.

Recommended ActionAI

Within 30 days: Identify affected systems and apply vendor patches as part of regular patch cycle. …

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CVE-2026-28218 vulnerability details – vuln.today

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