CVE-2026-23760
SmarterTools SmarterMail versions prior to build 9511 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability in the password reset API. The…
Browse: All 2026 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 9.8 Critical
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2026-01-26, remediation due 2026-02-16)
- Ransomware
- Known ransomware campaign use
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-288
- Published
- 2026-01-22
- Last modified
- 2026-08-04
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
SmarterTools SmarterMail versions prior to build 9511 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability in the password reset API. The force-reset-password endpoint permits anonymous requests and fails to verify the existing password or a reset token when resetting system administrator accounts. An unauthenticated attacker can supply a target administrator username and a new password to reset the account, resulting in full administrative compromise of the SmarterMail instance. NOTE: SmarterMail system administrator privileges grant the ability to execute operating system commands via built-in management functionality, effectively providing administrative (SYSTEM or root) access on the underlying host.
Affected products
- smartertools smartermail
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Federal remediation deadline: 2026-02-16.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score.
References
- https://code-white.com/public-vulnerability-list/#authenticationserviceforceresetpassword-missing-authentication-in-smartermail
- https://labs.watchtowr.com/attackers-with-decompilers-strike-again-smartertools-smartermail-wt-2026-0001-auth-bypass/
- https://www.smartertools.com/smartermail/release-notes/current
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/smartertools-smartermail-authentication-bypass-via-password-reset-api
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2026-23760
- https://www.huntress.com/blog/smartermail-account-takeover-leading-to-rce
FAQ
Is CVE-2026-23760 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2026-23760 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2026-01-26, with a federal remediation deadline of 2026-02-16. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-23760?
CVE-2026-23760 has a CVSS base score of 9.8 (Critical). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2026-24423 — SmarterTools SmarterMail
- CVE-2025-52691 — SmarterTools SmarterMail
- CVE-2026-18556 — N-able N-central
- CVE-2026-18577 — N-able N-central
- CVE-2026-1603 — Ivanti Endpoint Manager (EPM)
- CVE-2026-24858 — Fortinet Multiple Products
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
weekly kev brief
Patch what's actually being exploited.
One email a week: the KEV additions that matter, prioritized — no noise.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Delivered by Beehiiv.