CVE-2026-27836
Received Received - Intake
Unauthenticated Account Creation in phpMyFAQ WebAuthn Endpoint

Publication date: 2026-02-27

Last updated on: 2026-03-04

Assigner: GitHub, Inc.

Description
phpMyFAQ is an open source FAQ web application. Prior to version 4.0.18, the WebAuthn prepare endpoint (`/api/webauthn/prepare`) creates new active user accounts without any authentication, CSRF protection, captcha, or configuration checks. This allows unauthenticated attackers to create unlimited user accounts even when registration is disabled. Version 4.0.18 fixes the issue.
CVSS Scores
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Meta Information
Published
2026-02-27
Last Modified
2026-03-04
Generated
2026-05-07
AI Q&A
2026-02-27
EPSS Evaluated
2026-05-05
NVD
EUVD
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
phpmyfaq phpmyfaq to 4.0.18 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-862 The product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?

The vulnerability exists in phpMyFAQ versions prior to 4.0.18 in the WebAuthn prepare endpoint (/api/webauthn/prepare). This endpoint allows the creation of new active user accounts without requiring any authentication, CSRF protection, captcha, or configuration checks.

As a result, unauthenticated attackers can create unlimited user accounts even if the registration feature is disabled.

This issue was fixed in version 4.0.18.


How can this vulnerability impact me? :

This vulnerability allows attackers to create unlimited active user accounts without any restrictions or authentication.

Such unauthorized account creation can lead to abuse of the system, potential denial of service by exhausting resources, and possible misuse of privileges associated with user accounts.

The CVSS score indicates a high impact on integrity (I:H), meaning attackers can manipulate or inject unauthorized data or actions through these accounts.


How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:

I don't know


How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?

I don't know


What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?

To mitigate this vulnerability, you should upgrade phpMyFAQ to version 4.0.18 or later, where the issue has been fixed.

Until the upgrade is applied, consider restricting access to the /api/webauthn/prepare endpoint to trusted users or networks to prevent unauthenticated account creation.


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