CVE-2026-21865

CVE-2026-21865 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Discourse with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5. 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-862.

Key facts

Description

Discourse is an open source discussion platform. In versions prior to 3.5.4, 2025.11.2, 2025.12.1, and 2026.1.0, moderators can convert some personal messages to public topics when they shouldn't have access. This issue is patched in versions 3.5.4, 2025.11.2, 2025.12.1, and 2026.1.0. As a workaround, site admin can temporarily revoke the moderation role from untrusted moderators or remove the moderator group from the "personal message enabled groups" site setting until the Discourse instance has been upgraded to a version that has been patched.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-21865?
Discourse is an open source discussion platform. In versions prior to 3.5.4, 2025.11.2, 2025.12.1, and 2026.1.0, moderators can convert some personal messages to public topics when they shouldn't have access. This issue is patched in versions 3.5.4, 2025.11.2, 2025.12.1, and 2026.1.0. As a workaround, site admin can temporarily revoke the moderation role from untrusted moderators or remove the moderator group from the "personal message enabled groups" site setting until the Discourse instance has been upgraded to a version that has been patched.
How severe is CVE-2026-21865?
CVE-2026-21865 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2026-21865 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (13th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-21865?
CVE-2026-21865 primarily affects Discourse. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-21865?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2026-21865 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-21865 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-4874.
When was CVE-2026-21865 published?
CVE-2026-21865 was published on 2026-01-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

More vulnerabilities in Discourse

All CVEs affecting Discourse →

Other CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) vulnerabilities →