How severe is CVE-2023-5256?

CVE-2023-5256 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-5256 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (48th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-5256?

CVE-2023-5256 affects Drupal. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-5256?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2023-5256 published?

CVE-2023-5256 was published on 2023-09-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-5256

CVE-2023-5256 is a high-severity vulnerability in Drupal with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-200.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (48th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-200
Affected product: Drupal
Published: 2023-09-28
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In certain scenarios, Drupal's JSON:API module will output error backtraces. With some configurations, this may cause sensitive information to be cached and made available to anonymous users, leading to privilege escalation. This vulnerability only affects sites with the JSON:API module enabled, and can be mitigated by uninstalling JSON:API. The core REST and contributed GraphQL modules are not affected.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-5256?: In certain scenarios, Drupal's JSON:API module will output error backtraces. With some configurations, this may cause sensitive information to be cached and made available to anonymous users, leading to privilege escalation. This vulnerability only affects sites with the JSON:API module enabled, and can be mitigated by uninstalling JSON:API. The core REST and contributed GraphQL modules are not affected.
How severe is CVE-2023-5256?: CVE-2023-5256 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-5256 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (48th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-5256?: CVE-2023-5256 affects Drupal. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-5256?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2023-5256 published?: CVE-2023-5256 was published on 2023-09-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.drupal.org/sa-core-2023-006

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:drupal:drupal:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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