CVE-2023-23624 Discourse's exclude_tags param could leak which topics had a specific hidden tag
Attackers can deduce which topics use specific hidden tags via the exclude_tags parameter, leaking private information in Discourse forums.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2023-23624?
CVE-2023-23624 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Discourse Discourse, published on 27 Jan 2023. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
Discourse is an open-source discussion platform. Prior to version 3.0.1 on the `stable` branch and version 3.1.0.beta2 on the `beta` and `tests-passed` branches, someone can use the `exclude_tag param` to filter out topics and deduce which ones were using a specific hidden tag. This affects any Discourse site using hidden tags in public categories. This issue is patched in version 3.0.1 on the `stable` branch and version 3.1.0.beta2 on the `beta` and `tests-passed` branches. As a workaround, secure any categories that are using hidden tags, change any existing hidden tags to not include private data, or remove any hidden tags currently in use.
Weakness: CWE-200
Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-23624?
1 open source package ship an affected version, including discourse. It affects 1 product.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
discourse Bitnami | All versions | 3.0.1 |
Products include Discourse Discourse.
How do I fix CVE-2023-23624?
Upgrade discourse to 3.0.1 or later.
Is CVE-2023-23624 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-23624 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Discourse Discourse
- CVE-2021-41163 RCE via malicious SNS subscription payload
- CVE-2022-36066 Discourse vulnerable to RCE via admins uploading maliciously zipped file
- CVE-2022-39356 Discourse user account takeover via email and invite link
- CVE-2023-22468 Discourse vulnerable to Cross-site Scripting in local oneboxes
- CVE-2026-27934 Discourse leaks private topic title and post excerpt via user action API endpoint
Sources
Also known as BIT-discourse-2023-23624, GHSA-qgj5-g5vf-fm7q.