Auth bypass in Gitea

CVE-2026-96404

When Gitea's web installer is reachable against a database that already contains users, such as after `INSTALL_LOCK` has been reset to `false`, submitting the install form with an administrator username matching an existing account issued an authenticated session for that account without verifying its password. If the account is an administrator, the session grants full administrative access, including changing the account's password. Databases with a single user also did not require the reinstall confirmation.

Vulnerability class: Broken Authentication

Published · last modified .

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 8.1 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

EPSS exploit prediction

No EPSS score from FIRST.org yet. New CVEs usually get one within a few days; no score means no signal yet, not low risk. How EPSS works.

Affected products

Weakness classification (CWE)

References

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-96404?
CVE-2026-96404 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gitea, classified under Improper Authentication. CVSS score: 8.1/10. Published 2026-10-06.
How severe is CVE-2026-96404?
High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 8.1 out of 10.