Parse Server allows public `explain` queries which may expose sensitive database performance information and schema details
Impact
The MongoDB explain() method provides detailed information about query execution plans, including index usage, collection scanning behavior, and performance metrics. Parse Server permits any client to execute explain queries without requiring the master key. This exposes:
- Database schema structure and field names
- Index configurations and query optimization details
- Query execution statistics and performance metrics
- Potential attack vectors for database performance exploitation
Patches
A new databaseOptions.allowPublicExplain configuration option has been introduced that allows to restrict explain queries to the master key. The option defaults to true for now to avoid a breaking change in production systems that depends on public explain availability. In addition, a security warning is logged when the option is not explicitly set, or set to true. In a future major release of Parse Server, the default will change to false.
Workarounds
Implementing middleware to block explain queries from non-master-key requests, or monitor and alert on explain query usage in production environments.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | parse-server | < 8.5.0-alpha.5 | 8.5.0-alpha.5 |
References
- https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/security/advisories/GHSA-7cx5-254x-cgrq
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-64502
- https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/pull/9890
- https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server/commit/4456b02280c2d8dd58b7250e9e67f1a8647b3452
- https://github.com/parse-community/parse-server
- CVSS vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:N/SC:L/SI:N/SA:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-201- Platform
- npm
- Package
parse-server- Disclosed
- 13.11.2025
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-7cx5-254x-cgrq - 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 allows public `explain` queries which may expose sensitive database performance information and schema details 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.