CVE-2026-33877 Details
Description
ApostropheCMS is an open-source Node.js content management system. Versions 4.28.0 and prior contain a timing side-channel vulnerability in the password reset endpoint (/api/v1/@apostrophecms/login/reset-request) that allows unauthenticated username and email enumeration. When a user is not found, the handler returns after a fixed 2-second artificial delay, but when a valid user is found, it performs a MongoDB update and SMTP email send with no equivalent delay normalization, producing measurably different response times. The endpoint also accepts both username and email via an $or query, and has no rate limiting as the existing checkLoginAttempts throttle only applies to the login flow. This enables automated enumeration of valid accounts for use in credential stuffing or targeted phishing. Only instances that have explicitly enabled the passwordReset option are affected, as it defaults to false. This issue has been fixed in version 4.29.0.
A timing side-channel vulnerability has been identified in ApostropheCMS versions 4.28.0 and prior, specifically in the password reset endpoint. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to enumerate valid usernames and email addresses. The issue arises because the endpoint introduces a fixed 2-second delay when a user is not found, but fails to normalize response times when a valid user is identified. As a result, attackers can exploit this timing difference to determine the validity of usernames or email addresses. The vulnerability is present in instances where the password reset option is enabled, as it defaults to false.
Update to ApostropheCMS version 4.29.0, which normalizes response times in the password reset flow to prevent user enumeration.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
No CVSS 4.0 data is available for this CVE.
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
CISA-ADP
Assessed Apr 15, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://github.com/apostrophecms/apostrophe/security/advisories/GHSA-mj7r-x3h3-7rmr | CISA-ADP | ExploitMitigationVendor Advisory |
| https://github.com/apostrophecms/apostrophe/commit/e266cffd8c0d331a9b05c92bf11616556efcdc77 | [email protected] | Patch |
| https://github.com/apostrophecms/apostrophe/security/advisories/GHSA-mj7r-x3h3-7rmr | [email protected] | ExploitMitigationVendor Advisory |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-208 | Observable Timing Discrepancy | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| apostrophecms apostrophecms | < 4.29.0 |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
5 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | [email protected] |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Initial Analysis | [email protected] |
| Apr 15, 2026 | New CVE Received | [email protected] |
| Apr 15, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |