CVE-2023-22474: Parse Server is vulnerable to authentication bypass via spoofing

Published Feb 3, 2023
·
Updated

Parse Server is an open source backend that can be deployed to any infrastructure that can run Node.js. Parse Server uses the request header x-forwarded-for to determine the client IP address. If Parse Server doesn't run behind a proxy server, then a client can set this header and Parse Server will trust the value of the header. The incorrect client IP address will be used by various features in Parse Server. This allows to circumvent the security mechanism of the Parse Server option masterKeyIps by setting an allowed IP address as the x-forwarded-for header value. This issue has been patched in version 5.4.1. The mechanism to determine the client IP address has been rewritten. The correct IP address determination now requires to set the Parse Server option trustProxy.

Affected Software

1 affected component
parseplatform Parse-server Node.js<5.4.1

Event History

Feb 3, 2023
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:57 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:57 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2023-22474?

CVE-2023-22474 is a vulnerability in Parse Server that allows a client to set the 'x-forwarded-for' header and determine the client IP address.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2023-22474?

CVE-2023-22474 has a severity rating of 8.1 (high).

3

How does CVE-2023-22474 affect Parse Server?

CVE-2023-22474 affects Parse Server versions up to and excluding 5.4.1.

4

How do I fix CVE-2023-22474?

To fix CVE-2023-22474, update Parse Server to a version equal to or higher than 5.4.1.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2023-22474?

You can find more information about CVE-2023-22474 in the following references: [Reference 1](https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/commit/e016d813e083ce6828f9abce245d15b681a224d8), [Reference 2](https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/security/advisories/GHSA-vm5r-c87r-pf6x).

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203