CVE-2026-23760
Published: January 26, 2026
Official Description
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.
CISA KEV Advisory
SmarterTools 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.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Risk Analysis
SmarterTools SmarterMail has a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in its password reset API, allowing unauthenticated attackers to reset administrator accounts. With a CVSS score of 9.8 and an EPSS score of 0.59794, this flaw presents an extremely high risk of full administrative compromise.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is included in CISA's KEV catalog. It is remotely exploitable without authentication, making it highly dangerous.
Apply the latest security updates or patches for SmarterTools SmarterMail immediately. Review and strengthen password policies and monitor for suspicious account activity.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-23760 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.
CISA has added CVE-2026-23760 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploit & PoC Resources
News & Research Mentioning CVE-2026-23760
Underground Telegram channels shared SmarterMail exploit PoCs and stolen admin credentials within days of disclosure. Flare explains how monitoring these communities reveals rapid weaponization of CVE-2026-24423 and CVE-2026-23760 tied to ransomware activity. [...] [xlite_meta score:67 src:BleepingComputer xlite_fp:a06b6c12843d7762f64d13f5dfaf38050abc1a46aada007e4a8c8d1563aff19e]
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Known Threat Actors
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-23760 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1