CVE-2026-63100 in maybe
Summary
by MITRE • 07/17/2026
Maybe through 0.6.0 contains a missing authorization vulnerability that allows authenticated low-privilege member-role users to access and modify global hosting settings by exploiting unprotected show and update actions in the Settings::HostingsController, where the before_action ensure_admin filter is applied only to the clear_cache action. Attackers can read the operator's Synth API key rendered in plaintext via a form field value attribute, overwrite it with an attacker-controlled value, toggle public registration settings, and disable email confirmation requirements to disrupt the entire instance.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical authorization flaw in software versions prior to 0.6.0 where low-privilege member-role users can escalate their privileges through improper access controls within the Settings::HostingsController. The technical implementation demonstrates a classic broken access control scenario where the application fails to properly validate user permissions across all controller actions. The vulnerability stems from the inconsistent application of authorization checks, specifically where the before_action ensure_admin filter is selectively applied only to the clear_cache action while leaving other critical operations unprotected. This creates an attack surface that allows authenticated users with minimal privileges to manipulate global system configurations through direct API endpoint exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation into full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information including plaintext Synth API keys that are rendered in HTML form field value attributes, providing attackers with direct access to critical system integrations. The ability to modify public registration settings and disable email confirmation requirements creates opportunities for account takeover attacks and unauthorized user proliferation within the system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-285 which addresses insufficient authorization issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation through administrative access exploitation.
Security practitioners should recognize this as a serious configuration management issue that violates the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability demonstrates inadequate input validation and output encoding practices where sensitive data is exposed in client-side rendered forms without proper sanitization. Organizations running affected versions must immediately implement access control hardening measures including comprehensive authorization checks across all controller actions, removal of plaintext credential exposure in user interfaces, and implementation of proper role-based access controls. The remediation strategy should include immediate patching to version 0.6.0 or later, along with thorough security auditing of all controller action permissions and input/output validation mechanisms to prevent similar authorization bypass scenarios.
The attack vector requires only authenticated access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised user accounts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authorization framework implementation and continuous security testing of access control mechanisms. Organizations should implement automated scanning tools to identify similar authorization gaps in their applications and establish robust monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes, particularly those affecting system-wide settings and credential management functions that are fundamental to maintaining application security posture.