Auth bypass in Discourse
CVE-2025-69218
Discourse is an open source discussion platform. In versions prior to 3.5.4, 2025.11.2, 2025.12.1, and 2026.1.0, moderators can access the `top_uploads` admin report which should be restricted to admins only. This report displays direct URLs to all uploaded files on the site, including sensitive content such as user data exports, admin backups, and other private attachments that moderators should not have access to. This issue is patched in versions 3.5.4, 2025.11.2, 2025.12.1, and 2026.1.0. There is no workaround. Limit moderator privileges to trusted users until the patch is applied.
Vulnerability class: Broken Access Control
EPSS: 0.002 (12.8th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 6.5 (Medium). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N.
Affected products
- Discourse — versions >= 2026.1.0-latest, < 2026.1.0, >= 2025.12.0-latest, < 2025.12.1, < 3.5.4
Weakness classification (CWE)
References
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_CONFIRM, Third Party Advisory, Mitigation)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-69218?
- CVE-2025-69218 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Discourse, classified under Incorrect Authorization. CVSS score: 6.5/10. Published 2026-01-28.
- How severe is CVE-2025-69218?
- Medium severity. CVSS v3 base score is 6.5 out of 10.