CVE-2023-27481

What it is

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`.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2023-03-07 19:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 05:45 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 4.3 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-03-07 19:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:45 UTC

Exploit probability

0.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-200 · Information exposure

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Monospace Directus < 9.16.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 4.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

None

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2023-27481.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-27481. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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