CVE intelligence and bounded remediation

CVE-2026-32730 — ApostropheCMS is an open-source content management framework

High CVSS 8.1

ApostropheCMS is an open-source content management framework. Prior to version 4.28.0, the bearer token authentication middleware in `@apostrophecms/express/index.js` (lines 386-389) contains an incorrect MongoDB query that allows incomplete login tokens — where the password was verified but TOTP/MFA requirements were NOT — to be used as fully authenticated bearer tokens. This completely bypasses multi-factor authentication for any ApostropheCMS deployment using `@apostrophecms/login-totp` or any custom `afterPasswordVerified` login requirement. Version 4.28.0 fixes the issue.

Severity
High
CVSS
8.1 (3.1)
Published
2026-03-18
CISA KEV
Not currently listed
Ecosystem
software/application
Weaknesses
CWE-287, CWE-305

Affected products

  • apostrophecms / apostrophecms

Matched remediation archetype

Authentication bypass and missing authentication

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Check exposure

  • Map every affected endpoint and protocol path, including alternate ports, legacy routes, recovery flows, service accounts, and machine-to-machine access.
  • Confirm which deployments enable the affected authentication mode and whether the interface is reachable from untrusted networks.
  • Review session, token, credential, and proxy trust configuration without attempting account takeover.

Remediate safely

  • Apply the supported fix and centralize fail-closed authentication before protected request handling.
  • Remove default or embedded credentials, rotate affected secrets and sessions, and bind authentication decisions to the intended audience and channel.
  • Add negative tests for alternate routes, malformed or absent credentials, recovery flows, and proxy-derived identity.

Authoritative sources

Complete CVE record and remediation plan

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