MailWatch: Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled SQL Primary Key
CVE-2026-85749 is a high-severity authorization bypass through user-controlled SQL primary key vulnerability in MailWatch, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected MailWatch versions: < 1.2.27. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.29% 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 MailWatch 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.
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
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
MailWatch for MailScanner is a web-based front-end to MailScanner. Prior to 1.2.27, any authenticated MailWatch user, including the U/user, D/domain-admin, and H/host roles, can release to inbox or permanently delete the quarantined mail of any other user or domain by supplying an arbitrary message `id` to `mailscanner/quarantine_action.php`. The action path calls `quarantine_list_items()` in `mailscanner/functions.php`, which selects from `maillog` by the supplied identifier without the per-role `global_filter` applied by listing and read views. The action requires a valid session and CSRF token, but the caller can submit a token from the caller's own session; ownership of the requested message is never checked. Message identifiers are enumerable, allowing a low-privilege user to invoke `quarantine_release()` or `quarantine_delete()` for other users' or domains' quarantined messages, force-delivering mail held by the quarantine or permanently deleting it. This issue is fixed in version 1.2.27.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled SQL Primary Key
The product uses a database table that includes records that should not be accessible to an actor, but it executes a SQL statement with a primary key that can be controlled by that actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Modify the query to include a clause that performs an authorization check, or otherwise ensure that the check is performed before the query is executed.
- Assume all input is malicious. Use a standard input validation mechanism to validate all input for length, type, syntax, and business rules before accepting the data. Use an accept known good validation strategy.
- Use a parameterized query AND make sure that the accepted values conform to the business rules. Construct your SQL statement accordingly.
More Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled SQL Primary Key vulnerabilities (CWE-566)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Recent Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled SQL Primary Key vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
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