CVE-2026-28217 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting hoppscotch, an open source API development ecosystem. This vulnerability allows any authenticated user to access sensitive data from collections they do not own. The issue arises from the `userCollection` GraphQL query, which accepts arbitrary collection IDs and returns full collection data, including HTTP requests with headers and potentially sensitive secrets, without verifying the user's ownership of the collection.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. This is significant because it poses a risk to the confidentiality of sensitive user information. Organizations utilizing hoppscotch should take proactive measures to address this vulnerability.
The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on February 26, 2026, and affects all versions prior to 2026.2.0. The fix was integrated into version 2026.2.0, which contains an authorization check that prevents unauthorized access to collections.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to safeguard against potential data leaks and maintain user trust. Regular audits and updates to security practices are essential to mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-28217.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified as an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR), stemming from a missing authorization check in the GraphQL resolver. The official description states that the `userCollection` GraphQL query does not authenticate the requesting user against the collection's ownership, which is a critical oversight.
The CVSS 3.1 vector string for this vulnerability is 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N', indicating a network attack vector, low attack complexity, and low privileges required for exploitation. It has a high confidentiality impact but no integrity or availability impact.
The vulnerabilities are associated with CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) and CWE-639 (Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key). These classifications highlight the importance of proper authorization checks in application development.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-28217 lies in the design of the `userCollection` GraphQL query. By failing to implement an authorization mechanism, the query exposes sensitive data to any authenticated user, regardless of their ownership of the collection. The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote exploitation without user interaction.
The attack complexity is low, as it requires minimal effort to exploit the missing authorization check. The vulnerability necessitates low privileges, meaning that any authenticated user can potentially exploit it. Since no user interaction is required, this vulnerability poses a significant risk.
The impact on confidentiality is high, as unauthorized users can gain access to sensitive information contained within the collection, including HTTP requests and secrets. However, the integrity and availability impacts are rated as none, indicating that the vulnerability does not directly compromise the integrity of the application or affect its availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using hoppscotch are at risk of exposing sensitive user data due to this vulnerability. The ability for any authenticated user to access collections they do not own creates a critical risk, especially in environments where sensitive data is handled. The potential blast radius is wide, as multiple users could be affected if the vulnerability is exploited.
The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is high, given its potential impact on user trust and data privacy. The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to significant reputational damage and regulatory consequences, depending on the nature of the data exposed.
To mitigate risks, organizations should prioritize patching to version 2026.2.0 or later, which addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should review their access control policies and implement robust authorization checks for all user data access operations.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects all versions of hoppscotch prior to version 2026.2.0. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest version to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate CVE-2026-28217, organizations should upgrade to version 2026.2.0 or later. If immediate patching is not feasible, review and enhance access control measures to ensure that users can only access their own collections.
Regular security assessments, such as penetration testing, can help identify similar vulnerabilities in the future and ensure compliance with security best practices.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unauthorized access attempts to user collections. Behavioral anomalies indicating access to collections not owned by the user should be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The existence of CVE-2026-28217 highlights the ongoing challenges in API security, particularly concerning authorization mechanisms. Security teams must prioritize thorough testing and validation of access controls in their applications.
Understanding the trends in vulnerabilities, such as IDOR, is crucial for developing effective security strategies. As APIs become increasingly integral to modern applications, organizations must adopt best practices for API security, including regular code reviews and security assessments.
For organizations looking to enhance their API security posture, resources such as the API penetration testing guide provide valuable insights.
Additionally, learning from past incidents and vulnerabilities can guide development practices and reinforce security measures.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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