Discourse is an open-source discussion platform. Prior to versions 2026.3.0-latest.1, 2026.2.1, and 2026.1.2, the ComposerController#mentions endpoint reveals hidden group membership to any authenticated user who can message the group. By supplying allowed_names referencing a hidden-membership group and probing arbitrary usernames, an attacker can infer membership based on whether user_reasons returns "private" for a given user.
This bypasses group member-visibility controls. Versions 2026.3.0-latest.1, 2026.2.1, and 2026.1.2 contain a patch. To work around this issue, restrict the messageable policy of any hidden-membership group to staff or group members only, so untrusted users cannot reach the vulnerable code path.
Attack Parameters
Attack Vector
Network
Can be exploited remotely
Attack Complexity
Low
Easy to exploit
Attack Requirements
None
No additional conditions
Privileges Required
Low
Basic privileges needed
User Interaction
None
No user interaction needed
Impact Assessment
Confidentiality
Low
Partial data leak
Integrity
None
No data modification
Availability
None
No disruption
CVSS Vector v4.0
Weakness Type (CWE)
Vulnerable Products 3
| Configuration | From (including) | Up to (excluding) |
|---|---|---|
|
Discourse Discourse
cpe:2.3:a:discourse:discourse:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
2026.1.0
|
2026.1.2
|
|
Discourse Discourse
cpe:2.3:a:discourse:discourse:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
2026.2.0
|
2026.2.1
|
|
Discourse Discourse
cpe:2.3:a:discourse:discourse:2026.3.0:*:*:*:latest:*:*:*
|
— | — |