SQL Injection via Parameterized Queries in Discourse 2026.1.0-2026.1.6
CVE-2026-72731 Published on August 10, 2026
Discourse: Strip SQL comments and use non-recursive parameter interpolation in Data Explorer
Discourse is an open-source discussion platform. From 2026.1.0-latest until 2026.1.7, 2026.6.2, 2026.7.1, and 2026.8.0-latest.1, anyone able to run a parameterized Data Explorer query, including non-staff members of a group a query is shared with, could craft parameter values that escaped the intended query and executed arbitrary SQL through plugins/discourse-data-explorer/lib/discourse_data_explorer/data_explorer.rb and plugins/discourse-data-explorer/lib/discourse_data_explorer/workflows/sql_action/v1.rb. Recursive parameter interpolation allowed one parameter value to introduce another parameter, and parameter declarations in SQL comments could be used to inject a statement. Queries run in a read-only transaction, so data could not be modified, but any table could be read. This issue is fixed in versions 2026.1.7, 2026.6.2, 2026.7.1, and 2026.8.0-latest.1.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-72731 can be exploited with network access, and requires small amount of user privileges. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have a high impact on confidentiality, with no impact on integrity, and no impact on availability.
Weakness Type
What is a SQL Injection Vulnerability?
The software constructs all or part of an SQL command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended SQL command when it is sent to a downstream component.
CVE-2026-72731 has been classified to as a SQL Injection vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-72731
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Affected Versions
discourse:- Version < 2026.1.7 is affected.
- Version >= 2026.6.0-latest, < 2026.6.2 is affected.
- Version >= 2026.7.0-latest, < 2026.7.1 is affected.
- Version >= 2026.8.0-latest, < 2026.8.0-latest.1 is affected.