Discourse
CVE-2026-28218
MEDIUM
Severity by source
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
Lifecycle Timeline
2DescriptionGitHub 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. No patch is currently available, though administrators can mitigate the issue by explicitly setting group permissions on queries or disabling the plugin.
Technical ContextAI
Classified as CWE-284 (Improper Access Control). Affects Discourse. 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.
RemediationAI
Monitor vendor advisories for a patch. Restrict network access to the affected service where possible.
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Same weakness CWE-284 – Improper Access Control
View allSame technique Authentication Bypass
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External POC / Exploit Code
Leaving vuln.today