hMailServer: Incorrect Default Permissions
CVE-2026-126622 is a high-severity incorrect default permissions vulnerability in hMailServer from Progressive Robot, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected hMailServer versions: 6.3.7. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.13% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of hMailServer you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Robot | hMailServer | 6.3.7 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (gitlab.com).
Official description
Incorrect default permissions in the Windows installer of Progressive Robot hMailServer 6.3.7 allow a local authenticated user to run code as the administrator who runs setup, when the server is installed into a program folder that is already there and that accounts other than the administrators could write, such as a folder made beforehand at the root of a drive, or when such an installation is upgraded or repaired. 6.3.7 fixed CVE-2026-107571 by giving the program folder, Bin and ControlPanel permissions that only administrators may change, but for a folder that is already there it does so only at the end of setup: setup first copies the programs into Bin, which every user may still write, and runs programs from Bin with the administrator's elevated rights, registering the service among them, before that hardening, so that a library another account places in Bin meanwhile is loaded in place of the system's. A handle an account opened on such a folder while it could write it keeps that access after the hardening. The default installation under Program Files, whose folders give ordinary users read and execute only, is not affected.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Incorrect Default Permissions
During installation, installed file permissions are set to allow anyone to modify those files.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- The architecture needs to access and modification attributes for files to only those users who actually require those actions.
- Compartmentalize the system to have safe areas where trust boundaries can be unambiguously drawn. Do not allow sensitive data to go outside of the trust boundary and always be careful when interfacing with a compartment outside of the safe area. Ensure that appropriate compartmentalization is built into the system design, and the compartmentalization allows for and reinforces privilege separation functionality. Architects and designers should rely on the principle of least privilege to decide the appropriate time to use privileges and the time to drop privileges.
More Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerabilities (CWE-276)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in hMailServer
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.