CVE-2026-85592: phpMyFAQ before 4.1.8 Authorization Bypass via question/create
phpMyFAQ before 4.1.8 contains an authorization bypass vulnerability in the question creation endpoint where the isAddingQuestionsAllowed() method grants access to all callers when main.enableAskQuestions is enabled, ignoring the records.allowQuestionsForGuests setting. Unauthenticated attackers can submit questions via the question/create API endpoint to bypass guest submission restrictions and inject spam into the admin moderation queue.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
phpMyFAQto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.1.8 - Configuration
Ensure main.enableAskQuestions is disabled so that the question/create endpoint does not grant access to all callers and bypass guest restrictions (vulnerable when main.enableAskQuestions is enabled prior to 4.1.8).
phpMyFAQ main.enableAskQuestions = disabled - Configuration
Configure records.allowQuestionsForGuests to allow only the intended guests, noting that versions before 4.1.8 ignore this setting when main.enableAskQuestions is enabled.
phpMyFAQ records.allowQuestionsForGuests = restricted to intended guests
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Which deployments are exposed to unauthorized question submissions?
Deployments running phpMyFAQ before 4.1.8 are exposed when main.enableAskQuestions is enabled. In that state, the question/create endpoint permits unauthenticated submissions even if records.allowQuestionsForGuests is intended to block guest questions.
What does an attacker need to exploit this issue?
An attacker does not need authentication or user interaction. They need network access to the question/create API endpoint and a deployment where main.enableAskQuestions is enabled.
What is the practical impact of exploitation?
Attackers can submit questions that bypass guest-submission restrictions. The submitted content can be used to inject spam into the administrator moderation queue.