Starlette-Admin's unvalidated `order_by` parameter allows ordering by hidden columns (info-exposure oracle) and HTTP 500 DoS
Summary
Affected versions of Starlette-Admin prior to 0.16.1 do not properly validate user-supplied sort and search parameters against the configured field allowlists. While the administrative UI restricts available fields based on field configuration, the backend accepts arbitrary field names supplied through API requests.
An authenticated user can submit crafted requests to sort or filter records using fields that are not intended to be searchable or sortable. Additionally, supplying invalid field names or special Python attribute names can trigger unhandled exceptions that result in HTTP 500 responses.
Impact
An authenticated user with access to affected list endpoints may:
- Bypass intended UI restrictions and perform sorting or filtering on fields that are not configured as searchable or sortable.
- Cause affected API requests to fail with HTTP 500 responses by supplying invalid field names or special Python attribute names such as
metadataor__class__.
This vulnerability may result in unauthorized use of query functionality and limited denial-of-service conditions affecting the targeted endpoint.
Affected Versions
All versions before 0.16.1.
Patched Versions
- 0.16.1
Workarounds
There are no known workarounds. Users should upgrade to version 0.16.1 or later.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | starlette-admin | < 0.16.1 | 0.16.1 |
References
- https://github.com/jowilf/starlette-admin/security/advisories/GHSA-6753-gr46-6wpr
- https://github.com/jowilf/starlette-admin/pull/776
- https://github.com/jowilf/starlette-admin/commit/af05b45cd90944b726949fd650ab9d19f1abafc3
- https://github.com/jowilf/starlette-admin/commit/d2a25ebbaf213d4c2cfc87187e34309ca6e30a51
- https://github.com/jowilf/starlette-admin
- https://github.com/jowilf/starlette-admin/releases/tag/0.16.1
- https://pypi.org/project/starlette-admin
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-6753-gr46-6wpr
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-54553
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:L- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-200, CWE-248, CWE-602, CWE-639- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
starlette-admin- Disclosed
- 26.08.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 15:18
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2026-3924 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-6753-gr46-6wpr - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: starlette-admin
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Python (PyPI)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
This is the only known vulnerability of this package.
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.