security-advisories: Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-45156 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in security-advisories from Nextcloud, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected security-advisories versions: >= 0.3.0, < 3.1.0; >= 5.0.0, < 5.1.0; >= 6.0.0, < 6.4.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.41% 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 security-advisories you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nextcloud | security-advisories | >= 0.3.0, < 3.1.0; >= 5.0.0, < 5.1.0; >= 6.0.0, < 6.4.0 | 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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- 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
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
Nextcloud is an open source content collaboration platform. From versions 0.3.0 to before 3.1.0, 5.0.0 to before 5.1.0, and 6.0.0 to before 6.4.0, a missing signature verification in User OIDC allowed a malicious ID4me authority to identify as any user. This issue has been patched in versions 3.1.0, 4.1.0, 5.1.0, 6.4.0 and 8.3.0.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in security-advisories
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
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