CVE-2026-15516 in MacCMS Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2026
A vulnerability was detected in MacCMS Pro up to 2022.1000.3005. Impacted is the function step5 of the file application/install/controller/Index.php of the component Installation Module. The manipulation results in authorization bypass. The attack may be launched remotely. The attack requires a high level of complexity. The exploitability is considered difficult. The exploit is now public and may be used. Upgrading to version 2022.1000.3025 is recommended to address this issue. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2026
The vulnerability identified in MacCMS Pro version 2022.1000.3005 represents a critical authorization bypass flaw within the installation module's step5 function located in application/install/controller/Index.php. This weakness allows attackers to circumvent intended security controls during the software installation process, potentially enabling unauthorized access to system resources and administrative functions. The vulnerability specifically affects the initial setup phase of the content management system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited before the application reaches its normal operational state.
The technical implementation flaw stems from insufficient validation and authorization checks within the installation controller's step5 method, which processes critical installation parameters without proper access verification. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which categorizes improper authorization issues in software systems, and represents a classic example of how inadequate input validation during setup processes can create persistent security weaknesses. The attack vector requires remote exploitation through network access to the vulnerable installation interface, though it demands a high level of complexity to execute successfully due to the sophisticated nature of bypassing multiple authentication layers.
The operational impact of this authorization bypass vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it could potentially allow attackers to gain full administrative control over the target system. The fact that exploitation is considered difficult yet publicly available indicates that while the attack requires significant technical expertise, the implementation methods are well-documented and accessible to threat actors. This creates a substantial risk profile for organizations running affected versions of MacCMS Pro, particularly those with exposed installation interfaces or systems that have not implemented additional network segmentation measures.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including disabling or restricting access to the installation module once the application is properly configured, implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to installation endpoints, and ensuring that the vulnerable component is upgraded to version 2022.1000.3025 or later. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the initial access and execution phases where attackers can manipulate system states during deployment processes. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual access patterns to installation interfaces and establish automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.
The public availability of exploit code for this vulnerability significantly increases the risk exposure, as it reduces the barrier to successful exploitation from requiring advanced technical skills to simply following documented procedures. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials for unauthorized access, particularly relevant when considering how installation bypasses can provide attackers with administrative capabilities. Regular security assessments should include verification of installation module integrity and proper access controls to prevent exploitation of such authorization bypass vulnerabilities that could compromise entire systems during their most vulnerable initial configuration phases.