Parse Server: File metadata endpoint bypasses `beforeFind` / `afterFind` trigger authorization
Impact
The file metadata endpoint (GET /files/:appId/metadata/:filename) does not enforce beforeFind / afterFind file triggers. When these triggers are used as access-control gates, the metadata endpoint bypasses them entirely, allowing unauthorized access to file metadata.
This affects any deployment that relies on Parse.Cloud.beforeFind(Parse.File, ...) to restrict file access. Only file metadata (user-defined key-value pairs set via addMetadata) is exposed; file content remains protected.
Patches
The metadata handler now runs beforeFind and afterFind triggers and returns HTTP 403 when a trigger denies access.
Workarounds
Disable the metadata endpoint by overriding the route with a middleware that rejects all requests:
// Add before mounting Parse Server
app.get('/parse/files/:appId/metadata/:filename', (req, res) => {
res.status(403).json({ error: 'Forbidden' });
});Adjust the path prefix (/parse) to match your mountPath.
References
- GitHub security advisory: https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/security/advisories/GHSA-hwx8-q9cg-mqmc
- Fix Parse Server 9: https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/9.5.0-alpha.9
- Fix Parse Server 8: https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/releases/tag/8.6.9
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | parse-server | < 8.6.9, >= 9.0.0-alpha.1, < 9.5.0-alpha.9 | 8.6.9, 9.5.0-alpha.9 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-862- Platform
- npm
- Package
parse-server- Disclosed
- 09.03.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-hwx8-q9cg-mqmc - 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
-
Parse Server: File metadata endpoint bypasses `beforeFind` / `afterFind` trigger authorization this entry
Know which vulnerabilities affect your application
With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.