CVE-2026-116876
Semantic MediaWiki from 2.5.0 before 7.3.1 contains an improper authorization vulnerability that allows ordinary editors to permanently protect pages by adding an Is edit protected annotation. When $smwgEditProtectionRight is enabled, EditProtectionUpdater applies indefinite edit and move restrictions without checking the author's rights, locking other editors and administrators out.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: Semantic MediaWiki from 2.5.0 before 7.3.1 contains an improper authorization vulnerability that allows ordinary editors to permanently protect pages by adding an Is edit protected annotation. When $smwgEditProtectionRight is enabled, EditProtectionUpdater applies indefinite edit and move restrictions without checking the author's rights, locking other editors and administrators out. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.
Evidence confidence: Moderate Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict
Severity & attack characteristics
CVSS vector:CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
Technical explanation & impact
The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.
Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.
Weakness classification
CWE-862Affected products and versions
Products below are parsed from NVD vulnerable CPE configuration entries. Version boundaries are shown as published; verify applicability with the vendor.
| Vendor | Product | Version evidence |
|---|---|---|
| semantic-mediawiki | semantic_mediawiki | from (inclusive) 2.5.0; before 7.3.1 |
Remediation & validation
- Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
- Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
- Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
- Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.
No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.
Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references
- https://github.com/SemanticMediaWiki/SemanticMediaWiki/commit/d2a198f42184373bb8604450c46a13a2c28eafa3 PATCH disclosure@vulncheck.com
- https://github.com/SemanticMediaWiki/SemanticMediaWiki/security/advisories/GHSA-9824-67pm-c29j EXPLOIT disclosure@vulncheck.com
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/semantic-mediawiki-2.5.0-before-7.3.1-missing-authorization-via-is-edit-protected ADVISORY disclosure@vulncheck.com
- https://github.com/SemanticMediaWiki/SemanticMediaWiki/security/advisories/GHSA-9824-67pm-c29j EXPLOIT 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0