CVE-2023-35930: SpiceDB is an open source, Google Zanzibar-inspired, database system for creating and managing security-critical application permissions. Any user mak...

Description

SpiceDB is an open source, Google Zanzibar-inspired, database system for creating and managing security-critical application permissions. Any user making a negative authorization decision based on the results of a `LookupResources` request with 1.22.0 is affected. For example, using `LookupResources` to find a list of resources to allow access to be okay: some subjects that should have access to a resource may not. But if using `LookupResources` to find a list of banned resources instead, then some users that shouldn't have access may. Generally, `LookupResources` is not and should not be to gate access in this way - that's what the `Check` API is for. Additionally, version 1.22.0 has included a warning about this bug since its initial release. Users are advised to upgrade to version 1.22.2. Users unable to upgrade should avoid using `LookupResources` for negative authorization decisions.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.3/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.38%

29.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Authzed	Spicedb	1.22.0

References

https://github.com/authzed/spicedb/pull/1397Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/authzed/spicedb/security/advisories/GHSA-m54h-5x5f-5m6rPatch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/authzed/spicedb/pull/1397Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/authzed/spicedb/security/advisories/GHSA-m54h-5x5f-5m6rPatch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jun 26, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-35930?

SpiceDB is an open source, Google Zanzibar-inspired, database system for creating and managing security-critical application permissions. Any user making a negative authorization decision based on the results of a `LookupResources` request with 1.22.0 is affected. For example, using `LookupResources` to find a list of resources to allow access to be okay: some subjects that should have access to a resource may not. But if using `LookupResources` to find a list of banned resources instead, then some users that shouldn't have access may. Generally, `LookupResources` is not and should not be to gate access in this way - that's what the `Check` API is for. Additionally, version 1.22.0 has included a warning about this bug since its initial release. Users are advised to upgrade to version 1.22.2. Users unable to upgrade should avoid using `LookupResources` for negative authorization decisions.

How severe is CVE-2023-35930?

CVE-2023-35930 has a CVSS score of 5.3/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.38% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-35930?

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.