Webmin: Authentication Bypass by Spoofing
CVE-2026-56020 is a high-severity authentication bypass by spoofing vulnerability in Webmin, 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, without any action from a user. The record lists version 2.202 as the first without the flaw, so updating Webmin to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.5% 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
- Update Webmin to 2.202 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
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
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.2 | Critical | CNA |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | CNA |
Official description
The Webmin HTTP server (miniserv.pl) allows unauthenticated attackers to impersonate any user with a configured SSL client certificate by sending a forged HTTP header. A remote attacker can spoof certificate DNs and authenticate as any user. Fixed in 2.202.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Authentication Bypass by Spoofing
This attack-focused weakness is caused by incorrectly implemented authentication schemes that are subject to spoofing attacks.
More Authentication Bypass by Spoofing vulnerabilities (CWE-290)
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 Webmin
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 9.4 Critical severity
- 8.5 High severity
Recent Authentication Bypass by Spoofing vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
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