CVE-2023-27481

Name: CVE-2023-27481
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2023-03-07T19:15:12.75+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 4.3/10EPSS 0.60%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2023-27481 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 4.3/10 on the CVSS scale. Directus is a real-time API and App dashboard for managing SQL database content. In versions prior to 9.16.0 users with read access to the `password` field in `directus_users` can extract the argon2 password hashes by brute forcing the export functionality combined with a `_starts_with` filter. EPSS estimates a 0.60% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Directus is a real-time API and App dashboard for managing SQL database content. In versions prior to 9.16.0 users with read access to the `password` field in `directus_users` can extract the argon2 password hashes by brute forcing the export functionality combined with a `_starts_with` filter. This allows the user to enumerate the password hashes. Accounts cannot be taken over unless the hashes can be reversed which is unlikely with current hardware. This problem has been patched by preventing any hashed/concealed field to be filtered against with the `_starts_with` or other string operator in version 9.16.0. Users are advised to upgrade. Users unable to upgrade may mitigate this issue by ensuring that no user has `read` access to the `password` field in `directus_users`.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

4.3/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N

EPSS Probability

0.60%

44.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-200

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Monospace	Directus	< 9.16.0

References

https://github.com/directus/directus/pull/14829Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/directus/directus/pull/15010Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/directus/directus/security/advisories/GHSA-m5q3-8wgf-x8xfVendor Advisory
https://github.com/directus/directus/pull/14829Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/directus/directus/pull/15010Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/directus/directus/security/advisories/GHSA-m5q3-8wgf-x8xfVendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 7, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-27481?

How severe is CVE-2023-27481?

CVE-2023-27481 has a CVSS score of 4.3/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.60% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-27481?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2023-27481?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST