CVE-2026-23760: CWE-288 Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel in SmarterTools SmarterMail
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.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-23760 is an authentication bypass vulnerability (CWE-288) in SmarterTools SmarterMail versions before build 9511. The flaw exists in the password reset API's force-reset-password endpoint, which permits unauthenticated requests to reset system administrator passwords without verifying credentials or reset tokens. Exploiting this vulnerability allows an attacker to reset the password of any system administrator account, resulting in full administrative compromise of the SmarterMail instance. Given that system administrator privileges allow execution of OS commands via management functionality, this leads to full SYSTEM or root access on the underlying host.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can reset the password of any system administrator account in affected SmarterMail instances, gaining full administrative control. This includes the ability to execute operating system commands with SYSTEM or root privileges, effectively compromising the entire host system.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official fix information is currently available for this vulnerability. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict access to the password reset API endpoints and monitor for suspicious activity related to password resets of administrator accounts.
CVE-2026-23760: CWE-288 Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel in SmarterTools SmarterMail
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.
CVSS v4.0
Score 9.3critical
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-23760 is an authentication bypass vulnerability (CWE-288) in SmarterTools SmarterMail versions before build 9511. The flaw exists in the password reset API's force-reset-password endpoint, which permits unauthenticated requests to reset system administrator passwords without verifying credentials or reset tokens. Exploiting this vulnerability allows an attacker to reset the password of any system administrator account, resulting in full administrative compromise of the SmarterMail instance. Given that system administrator privileges allow execution of OS commands via management functionality, this leads to full SYSTEM or root access on the underlying host.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can reset the password of any system administrator account in affected SmarterMail instances, gaining full administrative control. This includes the ability to execute operating system commands with SYSTEM or root privileges, effectively compromising the entire host system.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official fix information is currently available for this vulnerability. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict access to the password reset API endpoints and monitor for suspicious activity related to password resets of administrator accounts.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-01-15T18:42:20.938Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69723cd54623b1157c778445
Added to database: 01/22/2026, 15:05:57 UTC
Last enriched: 08/04/2026, 13:25:10 UTC
Last updated: 09/10/2026, 19:36:53 UTC
Views: 301
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