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CVE-2026-23760

KEVRansomware UseSmarterTools SmarterMail Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel Vulnerability

SmarterTools SmarterMail contains an authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel 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. This could allow an unauthenticated attacker to supply a target administrator username and a new password to reset the account, resulting in full administrative compromise of the SmarterMail instance.

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.

CVSS 4.0 vectorCVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
PublishedJan 22, 2026
Last modifiedAug 4, 2026
Added to KEVJan 26, 2026
Remediation dueFeb 16, 2026
    96
    Risk assessment · Critical

    Actively exploited and used by ransomware crews. Patch immediately.

    Exploitation
    Confirmed in the wild (CISA KEV)
    Federal remediation deadline
    Overdue by 252 days
    Ransomware
    Used in known ransomware campaigns
    CVSS
    9.3 CRITICAL
    EPSS (30-day exploit probability)
    96.4% · top 1% of all CVEs
    Weakness
    CWE-288
    Attack vector
    Network, remotely reachable
    Preconditions
    No privileges and no user interaction
    1. 1.Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
    2. 2.Treat as emergency change: patch or isolate internet-facing instances first.
    3. 3.Review exposure: confirm which instances are reachable from the internet and restrict access until patched.
    4. 4.Hunt for compromise: review logs for the disclosure window, not just from the patch date.
    5. 5.Verify offline/immutable backups and segment the affected systems. This flaw is used for ransomware initial access.

    Assessment is derived automatically from the live signals above; verify against your own asset inventory.