CVE-2023-31138: DHIS2 Core contains the service layer and Web API for DHIS2, an information system for data capture

Routine

HIGH 7.1UPGRADE

CVE-2023-31138 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.1) affecting dhis 2. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

DHIS2 Core contains the service layer and Web API for DHIS2, an information system for data capture. Starting in the 2.36 branch and prior to versions 2.37.9.1, 2.38.3.1, and 2.39.1.2, using object model traversal in the payload of a PATCH request, authenticated users with write access to an object may be able to modify related objects that they should not have access to. DHIS2 implementers should upgrade to a supported version of DHIS2 to receiv

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.1 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 51%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-284, CWE-863
Published	2023-05-09
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: dhis2

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-05-09 15:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 05:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

dhis2 dhis 2 UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.36.0 and < 2.37.9.1 · >= 2.38.0 and < 2.38.3.1 · >= 2.39.0 and < 2.39.1.2

Fixed in: 2.37.9.1, 2.38.3.1, 2.39.1.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.36.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy dhis-2 || rpm -q dhis-2 || dhis-2 --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.37.9.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade dhis-2

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade dhis-2

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.36.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison dhis-2 sudo apt install dhis-2=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.36.0> sudo apt-mark hold dhis-2

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list dhis-2 sudo dnf downgrade dhis-2-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.36.0> sudo dnf versionlock add dhis-2

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2023-31138?

dhis 2: upgrade to 2.37.9.1, 2.38.3.1, 2.39.1.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-31138 being exploited?

CVE-2023-31138 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2023-31138 affect?

CVE-2023-31138 affects dhis 2. Severity is high (CVSS 7.1). DHIS2 Core contains the service layer and Web API for DHIS2, an information system for data capture. Starting in the 2.36 branch and prior to versions 2.37.9.1, 2.38.3.1, and 2.39.1.2, using object model traversal in the payload of a PATCH

How urgent is CVE-2023-31138?

Priority 37/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-32060 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE DHIS2 Core contains the service layer and Web API for DHIS2, an information system for data capture
CVE-2023-31139 MEDIUM 4.3 UPGRADE DHIS2 Core contains the service layer and Web API for DHIS2, an information system for data capture
CVE-2022-41949 MEDIUM 5.0 UPGRADE DHIS 2 is an open source information system for data capture, management, validation, analytics and visualizat
CVE-2022-41948 MEDIUM 6.7 UPGRADE DHIS 2 is an open source information system for data capture, management, validation, analytics and visualizat
CVE-2022-41947 MEDIUM 5.4 UPGRADE DHIS 2 is an open source information system for data capture, management, validation, analytics and visualizat

References

← Back to latest CVEs