CVE-2023-27576: An issue was discovered in phpList before 3.6.14. Due to an access error, it was possible to manipulate and edit data of the system's super admin, all...

Description

An issue was discovered in phpList before 3.6.14. Due to an access error, it was possible to manipulate and edit data of the system's super admin, allowing one to perform an account takeover of the user with super-admin permission. Specifically, for a request with updatepassword=1, a modified request (manipulating both the ID parameter and the associated username) can bypass the intended email confirmation requirement. For example, the attacker can start from an updatepassword=1 request with their own ID number, and change the ID number to 1 (representing the super admin account) and change the username to admin2. In the first step, the attacker changes the super admin's email address to one under the attacker's control. In the second step, the attacker performs a password reset for the super admin account. The new password allows login as the super admin, i.e., a successful account takeover.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.7/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.34%

26.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-639

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Phplist	Phplist	3.6.12

References

https://cupc4k3.lol/cve-2023-27576-hacking-phplist-how-i-gained-super-admin-access-44c7c90d82daExploit, Technical Description, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/phpList/phplist3/pull/986
https://www.phplist.org/newslist/phplist-3-6-14-release-notes/
https://cupc4k3.lol/cve-2023-27576-hacking-phplist-how-i-gained-super-admin-access-44c7c90d82daExploit, Technical Description, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/phpList/phplist3/pull/986
https://www.phplist.org/newslist/phplist-3-6-14-release-notes/

Timeline

Published: Aug 18, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-27576?

An issue was discovered in phpList before 3.6.14. Due to an access error, it was possible to manipulate and edit data of the system's super admin, allowing one to perform an account takeover of the user with super-admin permission. Specifically, for a request with updatepassword=1, a modified request (manipulating both the ID parameter and the associated username) can bypass the intended email confirmation requirement. For example, the attacker can start from an updatepassword=1 request with their own ID number, and change the ID number to 1 (representing the super admin account) and change the username to admin2. In the first step, the attacker changes the super admin's email address to one under the attacker's control. In the second step, the attacker performs a password reset for the super admin account. The new password allows login as the super admin, i.e., a successful account takeover.

How severe is CVE-2023-27576?

CVE-2023-27576 has a CVSS score of 6.7/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.34% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-27576?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.