XSS in Discourse
CVE-2026-27740
Discourse is an open-source discussion platform. Versions prior to 2026.3.0-latest.1, 2026.2.1, and 2026.1.2 have a cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises because the system trusts the raw output from an AI Large Language Model (LLM) and renders it using htmlSafe in the Review Queue interface without adequate sanitization. A malicious attacker can use valid Prompt Injection techniques to force the AI to return a malicious payload (e.g., tags). When a Staff member (Admin/Moderator) views the flagged post in the Review Queue, the payload executes. Versions 2026.3.0-latest.1, 2026.2.1, and 2026.1.2 contain a patch. As a workaround, temporarily disable AI triage automation scripts.
Vulnerability class: XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)
EPSS: 0.003 (24.9th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 6.1 (Medium). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N.
Affected products
- Discourse — versions = 2026.3.0-latest, >= 2026.2.0-latest, < 2026.2.1, >= 2026.1.0-latest, < 2026.1.2
Weakness classification (CWE)
References
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_CONFIRM, Vendor Advisory)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-27740?
- CVE-2026-27740 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Discourse, classified under Cross-site Scripting. CVSS score: 6.1/10. Published 2026-03-19.
- How severe is CVE-2026-27740?
- Medium severity. CVSS v3 base score is 6.1 out of 10.