CVE-2026-23760
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitSmarterTools SmarterMail < Build 9511 Authentication Bypass via Password Reset API
Published Jan 22, 2026 · Updated Aug 4, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2026-23760 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.3 v4) affecting SmarterMail (Smartertools).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 22, 2026 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 97% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including SmarterMail 100.0.9511.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v4
9.3
CVSS: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
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
97%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2026-23760 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jan 26, 2026 | Feb 16, 2026 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Jan 22, 2026 | Feb 16, 2026 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Jan 25, 2026 | Feb 16, 2026 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jan 26, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| SmarterMailSmartertools | See advisory | 100.0.9511 |
Patched Releases
SmarterMail
100.0.9511
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 22, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jan 22, 2026
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jan 25, 2026
Added to CISA KEV
Jan 26, 2026
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jan 26, 2026
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-288 Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel
References
- advisoryhttps://code-white.com/public-vulnerability-list/#authenticationserviceforceresetpassword-missing-authentication-in-smartermail
- advisoryhttps://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/smartertools-smartermail-authentication-bypass-via-password-reset-api
- patchhttps://www.smartertools.com/smartermail/release-notes/current
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
SmarterTools SmarterMail versions prior to build 9511 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability in the password reset API.
Affected: SmarterMail (Smartertools). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Jan 22, 2026 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Jan 26, 2026 with a federal remediation due date of Feb 16, 2026.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including SmarterMail 100.0.9511.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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