Vulnerability in Discourse
CVE-2026-53961
Discourse is an open-source discussion platform. Prior to 2026.6.0, 2026.5.1, 2026.4.2, and 2026.1.5, the AWS SES bounce webhook at POST /webhooks/aws verified that SNS messages were signed by Amazon but did not bind them to trusted TopicArn values, allowing any AWS account holder to publish validly signed forged Bounce notifications that revoke a targeted user email. This issue is fixed in versions 2026.6.0, 2026.5.1, 2026.4.2, and 2026.1.5.
EPSS: 0.002 (14.4th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 6.5 (Medium). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L.
Affected products
- Discourse — versions >= 2026.5.0-latest, < 2026.5.1, >= 2026.4.0-latest, < 2026.4.2, 2026.6.0
Weakness classification (CWE)
References
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC)
- security-advisories@github.com (Patch, x_refsource_MISC)
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_MISC, Release Notes)
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_MISC, Release Notes)
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_MISC, Release Notes)
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_MISC, Release Notes)
- security-advisories@github.com (x_refsource_CONFIRM, Vendor Advisory)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-53961?
- CVE-2026-53961 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Discourse, classified under Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity. CVSS score: 6.5/10. Published 2026-07-09.
- How severe is CVE-2026-53961?
- Medium severity. CVSS v3 base score is 6.5 out of 10.