CVE-2026-111886: Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts in thorsten phpMyFAQ
Description
phpMyFAQ versions from 4.2.0-alpha.2 up to but not including 4.2.0-beta have a vulnerability in the removeTwofactorConfig() API endpoint. This endpoint lacks a brute-force lockout mechanism, allowing authenticated attackers with a hijacked session and CSRF token to repeatedly guess TOTP codes without limitation. Successful exploitation can permanently disable the victim's two-factor authentication (2FA).
CVSS v4.0
Score 7.1high
Affected software
thorsten
phpMyFAQ
pkg:github/thorsten/phpMyFAQRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in phpMyFAQ affects versions >=4.2.0-alpha.2 and <4.2.0-beta. The removeTwofactorConfig() endpoint, which handles 2FA removal, does not implement any restriction on the number of authentication attempts. Attackers who have obtained a hijacked session and CSRF token can send unlimited POST requests to /api/user/remove-twofactor, guessing TOTP codes until successful. This allows attackers to disable 2FA protections on the victim's account permanently.
Potential Impact
An attacker with a hijacked session and CSRF token can bypass two-factor authentication protections by brute forcing TOTP codes without limitation. This leads to permanent disabling of 2FA, significantly weakening account security and increasing the risk of account takeover.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict access to the removeTwofactorConfig() endpoint, monitor for unusual activity, and ensure session and CSRF tokens are protected to prevent hijacking.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-10-17T12:15:56.790Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6ad3c6ce2cdf04f6565207f0
Added to database: 10/17/2026, 19:04:46 UTC
Last enriched: 10/17/2026, 19:33:28 UTC
Last updated: 10/17/2026, 22:21:07 UTC
Views: 5
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.