CVE-2026-55493

6.5 MEDIUM 0.3% exploit odds Fix listed Auth & access

What it is

HotCRP is conference review software. Starting with 2.101, the `cmt:` search term checks whether a comment is visible to the searching user but fails to check whether the commenter's identity should be visible. A `cmt:USER` search can therefore match a paper with a visible comment authored by USER even when the comment is supposed to be anonymous. An authenticated user with access to the search can infer the author of an anonymous comment, compromising reviewer anonymity. Comments that the user cannot see remain excluded from search results. The advisory prose identifies 3.3 as fixed, its affected-version metadata excludes 3.3, and the verified repository tag 3.3 already contains the identity-check fix; however, its patched-version metadata instead lists 3.3.1. This fixed-version source conflict remains unresolved.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure.
Exploit odds: 0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2026-06-16 22:28 UTC ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
2026-10-30 20:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-11-05 03:17 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 6.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2026-10-30 20:17 UTC
Last modified: 2026-11-05 03:17 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-863 · Incorrect authorization
Record status: Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.5

Attack vector: Network
Complexity: Low
Privileges needed: Low
User interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality: High
Integrity: None
Availability: None

Raw vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-55493.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-55493. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

· More options · Status badge

Download Square Reddit

Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record