CVE-2026-35413: Directus GraphQL Introspection Bypass

CVE-2026-35413 Overview

CVE-2026-35413 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Directus, a real-time API and App dashboard for managing SQL database content. When GRAPHQL_INTROSPECTION=false is configured, Directus correctly blocks standard GraphQL introspection queries (__schema, __type). However, the server_specs_graphql resolver on the /graphql/system endpoint returns an equivalent SDL (Schema Definition Language) representation of the schema and was not subject to the same restriction. This allowed the introspection control to be bypassed, exposing schema structure including collection names, field names, types, and relationships to unauthenticated users at the public permission level, and to authenticated users at their permitted permission level.

Critical Impact
Attackers can bypass GraphQL introspection controls to enumerate the complete database schema structure, potentially revealing sensitive information about the application's data model and relationships.

Affected Products

Directus versions prior to 11.16.1

Discovery Timeline

2026-04-06 - CVE-2026-35413 published to NVD
2026-04-07 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-35413

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability falls under CWE-200 (Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor). The core issue lies in an inconsistent security control implementation within Directus's GraphQL subsystem. While administrators can disable GraphQL introspection to hide schema details from potential attackers, the server_specs_graphql resolver provides an alternative path to obtain the same information.

The /graphql/system endpoint exposes a resolver that returns the complete GraphQL schema in SDL format. This endpoint was not included in the introspection restriction logic, creating a bypass that effectively negates the security benefit of disabling introspection. The vulnerability requires network access but no authentication or user interaction to exploit at the public permission level.

Root Cause

The root cause is an incomplete implementation of the introspection restriction feature. When the GRAPHQL_INTROSPECTION=false configuration option was introduced, the standard introspection mechanisms (__schema and __type queries) were properly blocked. However, the server_specs_graphql resolver, which provides an equivalent SDL representation of the schema, was not included in this restriction. This oversight created an alternative pathway to obtain schema information that circumvents the intended security control.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a GraphQL query to the /graphql/system endpoint targeting the server_specs_graphql resolver. Even when introspection is explicitly disabled in the Directus configuration, this resolver will return the complete GraphQL schema in SDL format.

The exposed schema information includes:

Collection names (database table structures)
Field names and their data types
Relationships between collections
Query and mutation definitions

This information can be leveraged to map out the entire data model of the application, identify sensitive collections, and craft targeted attacks against specific endpoints or data structures.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-35413

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual query patterns targeting the /graphql/system endpoint
Requests specifically querying the server_specs_graphql resolver
Multiple unauthenticated requests to GraphQL endpoints from unknown sources
Log entries showing schema enumeration activity when introspection is disabled

Detection Strategies

Monitor GraphQL endpoint access logs for queries to server_specs_graphql
Implement alerting for unauthenticated access to the /graphql/system endpoint
Review application logs for patterns indicating schema reconnaissance
Deploy web application firewall rules to detect GraphQL introspection bypass attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable detailed logging on all GraphQL endpoints including /graphql/system
Set up alerts for any access to server_specs_graphql resolver when introspection is disabled
Monitor for bulk or scripted requests to GraphQL system endpoints
Review access patterns from IP addresses that query schema-related resolvers

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-35413

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade Directus to version 11.16.1 or later immediately
Review access logs for any prior exploitation of this vulnerability
Assess whether sensitive schema information may have been exposed
Consider restricting network access to the /graphql/system endpoint until patched

Patch Information

This vulnerability is fixed in Directus version 11.16.1. The patch ensures that the server_specs_graphql resolver respects the GRAPHQL_INTROSPECTION=false configuration setting, preventing unauthorized schema disclosure through this alternative pathway. For detailed information about the security fix, refer to the GitHub Security Advisory.

Workarounds

Upgrade to Directus 11.16.1 as the primary mitigation
Implement network-level access controls to restrict access to /graphql/system endpoint
Use a reverse proxy or WAF to block requests to the server_specs_graphql resolver
Restrict API access to authenticated users only if public access is not required

bash

# Example: Block access to server_specs_graphql via nginx
location /graphql/system {
    # Deny access to the system GraphQL endpoint for unauthenticated users
    # Combine with authentication requirements as needed
    if ($request_body ~* "server_specs_graphql") {
        return 403;
    }
}