Privilege escalation by backend users assigned to the default "Publisher" system role
Impact
Backend users with the default "Publisher" system role have access to create & manage users where they can choose which role the new user has. This means that a user with "Publisher" access has the ability to escalate their access to "Developer" access.
Patches
Issue has been patched in Build 470 (v1.0.470) & v1.1.1.
Workarounds
Apply https://github.com/octobercms/october/commit/78a37298a4ed4602b383522344a31e311402d829 to your installation manually if unable to upgrade to Build 470 or v1.1.1.
References
Reported by Hoan Hoang
For more information
If you have any questions or comments about this advisory:
- Email us at hello@octobercms.com
Threat assessment:
<img width="1098" alt="Screen Shot 2020-10-10 at 1 37 25 PM" src="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/7253840/95663611-e6326c80-0afd-11eb-8a1e-8b767a7202fb.png">Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composer package | october/backend | >= 1.0.319, < 1.0.470 | 1.0.470 |
References
- https://github.com/octobercms/october/security/advisories/GHSA-rfjc-xrmf-5vvw
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-15248
- https://github.com/octobercms/october/commit/4c650bb775ab849e48202a4923bac93bd74f9982
- https://github.com/octobercms/october/commit/78a37298a4ed4602b383522344a31e311402d829
- https://github.com/octobercms/october
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-269, CWE-863- Platform
- Composer
- Package
october/backend- Disclosed
- 23.11.2020
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-rfjc-xrmf-5vvw - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: october/backend
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Composer package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 7
- First → latest
- 06.2020 03.2021
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Medium 2
- Low 5
Disclosures per year
- 2020: 6
- 2021: 1
- 2022: 0
- 2023: 0
- 2024: 0
- 2025: 0
- 2026: 0
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Privilege escalation by backend users assigned to the default "Publisher" system role this entry
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