CVE-2026-32594: Parse Server GraphQL WebSocket endpoint bypasses security middleware
Impact
Any Parse Server deployment that uses the GraphQL API is affected. The GraphQL WebSocket endpoint for subscriptions does not pass requests through the Express middleware chain that enforces authentication, introspection control, and query complexity limits. An attacker can connect to the WebSocket endpoint and execute GraphQL operations without providing a valid application or API key, access the GraphQL schema via introspection even when public introspection is disabled, and send arbitrarily complex queries that bypass configured complexity limits.
Patches
The unfinished GraphQL WebSocket subscription feature has been removed, including the createSubscriptions method and the subscriptions-transport-ws dependency. GraphQL subscriptions were never functional in Parse Server as the schema did not define any subscription types.
Workarounds
Block WebSocket upgrade requests to the GraphQL subscriptions path (by default /subscriptions) at the network level, for example using a reverse proxy or load balancer rule.
Other sources
Parse Server is an open source backend that can be deployed to any infrastructure that can run Node.js. Prior to 8.6.40 and 9.6.0-alpha.14, the GraphQL WebSocket endpoint for subscriptions does not pass requests through the Express middleware chain that enforces authentication, introspection control, and query complexity limits. An attacker can connect to the WebSocket endpoint and execute GraphQL operations without providing a valid application or API key, access the GraphQL schema via introspection even when public introspection is disabled, and send arbitrarily complex queries that bypass configured complexity limits. This vulnerability is fixed in 8.6.40 and 9.6.0-alpha.14.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Patch Available
Patch Available
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-32594?
CVE-2026-32594 is considered a critical vulnerability due to its potential to bypass security middleware in Parse Server deployments.
How do I fix CVE-2026-32594?
To remediate CVE-2026-32594, update your Parse Server to version 8.6.40 or 9.6.0-alpha.14 or later.
Which versions of Parse Server are affected by CVE-2026-32594?
Parse Server versions before 8.6.40 and between 9.0.0 and 9.6.0-alpha.14 are affected by CVE-2026-32594.
What causes CVE-2026-32594?
CVE-2026-32594 is caused by the GraphQL WebSocket endpoint not passing requests through the security middleware chain.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-32594?
Any organization that uses the GraphQL API in their Parse Server deployment is affected by CVE-2026-32594.