Parse Server's Cloud Hooks and Cloud Jobs bypass `readOnlyMasterKey` write restriction
Impact
Parse Server's readOnlyMasterKey option allows access with master-level read privileges but is documented to deny all write operations. However, some endpoints incorrectly accept the readOnlyMasterKey for mutating operations. This allows a caller who only holds the readOnlyMasterKey to create, modify, and delete Cloud Hooks and to start Cloud Jobs, which can be used for data exfiltration.
Any Parse Server deployment that uses the readOnlyMasterKey option is affected. Note than an attacker needs to know the readOnlyMasterKey to exploit this vulnerability.
Patches
The fix adds authorization checks, rejecting mutating requests made with the readOnlyMasterKey.
Workarounds
There is no known workaround other than upgrading. If upgrading is not immediately possible, ensure the readOnlyMasterKey value is not shared with untrusted parties.
Resources
- GitHub security advisory: https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/security/advisories/GHSA-vc89-5g3r-cmhh
- Fixed in Parse Server 9.4.1-alpha.3: https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/9.4.1-alpha.3
- Fixed in Parse Server 8.6.4: https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/8.6.4
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | parse-server | >= 9.0.0, < 9.4.1-alpha.3, < 8.6.4 | 9.4.1-alpha.3, 8.6.4 |
References
- https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/security/advisories/GHSA-vc89-5g3r-cmhh
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-29182
- https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server
- https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/8.6.4
- https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/9.4.1-alpha.3
- CVSS vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:H/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-863- Platform
- npm
- Package
parse-server- Disclosed
- 05.03.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-vc89-5g3r-cmhh - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: parse-server
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 116
- First → latest
- 06.2019 06.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 17
- High 49
- Medium 40
- Low 10
Disclosures per year
- 2019: 2
- 2020: 4
- 2021: 4
- 2022: 12
- 2023: 5
- 2024: 4
- 2025: 6
- 2026: 79
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Parse Server's Cloud Hooks and Cloud Jobs bypass `readOnlyMasterKey` write restriction this entry
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