CVE-2026-23760
About
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.
Rainforest analyst review
SmarterMail's password-reset API exposes a force-reset-password endpoint that accepts anonymous requests and, when resetting a system administrator account, verifies neither the existing password nor a reset token. An unauthenticated attacker simply supplies a target administrator username and a chosen new password and takes the account over. This is a broken authentication design, not an exploit chain, and it yields full administrative control of the mail server directly.
What makes it more than a mail-admin problem is that SmarterMail's system administrator role can execute operating-system commands through built-in management functionality, so the account takeover escalates to SYSTEM or root on the underlying host. SmarterMail is a Windows mail server run by hosting providers and businesses and is typically internet-facing to serve webmail and mail protocols, making the reset endpoint reachable to any attacker. Upgrade to build 9511 or later without delay. Because exploitation is trivial and pre-auth, treat an exposed, unpatched server as potentially already compromised: review administrator accounts and recent password changes, restrict the management interface from public access, and hunt for signs of command execution on the host.
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
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Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2026-23760?
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.
How severe is CVE-2026-23760?
CVE-2026-23760 carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, rated critical. On the Rainforest Risk Index — which weighs the severity alongside how easy the flaw is to reach and how broad its impact is — it scores 99 out of 100, in the critical band.
How is CVE-2026-23760 exploited?
According to the CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H): attack vector Network, attack complexity Low, privileges required None, user interaction None. Impact on confidentiality High, integrity High and availability High.
Which products are affected by CVE-2026-23760?
Public advisories list the following as affected: smartermail. Check the references on this page for the exact versions each vendor confirms.
How do I fix CVE-2026-23760?
Apply the fix the vendor published — the references on this page link to the primary advisories and patches. When patching can't happen right away, reduce the exposure of the affected component and watch it for exploitation attempts. Rainforest customers see this vulnerability correlated to their own assets and prioritized by real exposure, not by score alone.
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