Craft · Craft · CVE-2026-28696
**Name of the Vulnerable Software and Affected Versions**
Craft versions prior to 4.17.0-beta.1 and versions prior to 5.9.0-beta.1
**Description**
Craft is a content management system (CMS) that contains a flaw in the GraphQL directive `@parseRefs`. This directive, designed to parse internal reference tags, can be exploited by both authenticated users and unauthenticated guests (when a Public Schema is enabled) to access sensitive attributes of any element within the CMS. The `Elements::parseRefs` implementation lacks authorization checks, allowing attackers to read data they are not permitted to view. The vulnerability allows access to sensitive attributes through reference tags like `{user:1:email}`. Attack vectors include privilege escalation, user data leakage, arbitrary property reflection, server-side logic execution, and IDOR on private entries and assets. The `@parseRefs` directive is active in the Public Schema, enabling unauthenticated exploitation. Exploitation can occur through API endpoints, such as the GraphQL API endpoint `/index.php?action=graphql/api`, using payloads in queries. The vulnerable function is `Elements::parseRefs`. The vulnerability can lead to critical information disclosure, system information leakage, and potential authentication bypass.
**Recommendations**
Versions prior to 4.17.0-beta.1: Modify `Elements::parseRefs` to enforce `canView` permissions on the resolved element before extracting attributes.
Versions prior to 5.9.0-beta.1: Modify `Elements::parseRefs` to enforce `canView` permissions on the resolved element before extracting attributes.