SmarterTools SmarterMail Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel Vulnerability

[ Why it matters ]Priority signals

• Exploited in the wild: on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list since 2026-01-26
• Known to be used in ransomware campaigns
• EPSS: 96% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (higher than 100% of CVEs)
• Critical severity: CVSS 9.8

[ Description ]Official 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.

CISA: 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.

[ Fixes ]Fixes and patches

CISA required action (US federal deadline 16 Feb 2026): Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

No fix or interim patch is linked from our sources yet. Check the vendor references below and limit exposure of affected systems until a fix is available.

[ References ]References

• code-white.com/public-vulnerability-listThird Party Advisory
• labs.watchtowr.com/attackers-with-decompilers-strike-again-smartertools-smartermail-wt-…ExploitThird Party Advisory
• www.smartertools.com/smartermail/release-notes/currentRelease Notes
• www.vulncheck.com/advisories/smartertools-smartermail-authentication-bypass-via-passwor…Third Party Advisory
• www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalogUS Government Resource
• www.huntress.com/blog/smartermail-account-takeover-leading-to-rceExploitThird Party Advisory