CVE-2026-55493 — MEDIUM (6.5)

Vulnerability Description

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.

CVSS Score

6.5

MEDIUM

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

Attack Vector

NETWORK

Attack Complexity

LOW

Privileges Required

LOW

User Interaction

NONE

Scope

UNCHANGED

Confidentiality

HIGH

Integrity

NONE

Availability

NONE

Related Weaknesses (CWE)

CWE-863

References

FAQ

What is CVE-2026-55493?

CVE-2026-55493 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 6.5 (MEDIUM). 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 b...

How severe is CVE-2026-55493?

CVE-2026-55493 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.5/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.

Is there a patch for CVE-2026-55493?

Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.