This vulnerability allows exploitation through incorrectly configured access control security levels in Mikado-Themes Holmes. Specifically, it involves an authorization bypass through a user-controlled key. The affected versions include all prior to and including version 1.7. With a CVSS score of 5.4, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity, indicating a notable risk to organizations that utilize this theme.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive resources, which can lead to further exploitation or data leakage. The vulnerability is currently classified as deferred, suggesting that it may not be actively exploited at this time. However, organizations should take this seriously and assess their exposure to potential threats.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately due to the potential for exploitation if the vulnerable versions remain in use. Implementing strict access controls and regularly reviewing security configurations can help mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
The publication of this vulnerability on January 22, 2026, highlights the importance of staying updated with security patches and vulnerability disclosures. Security teams should ensure that they are monitoring updates specific to Mikado-Themes to remain vigilant against any future threats.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2026-22400 vulnerability is characterized by an authorization bypass through user-controlled keys in the Mikado-Themes Holmes application. This issue affects versions of Holmes from n/a through version 1.7. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-639, indicating issues with incorrect access control implementations.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.4, indicating a medium severity level. This score reflects the attack vector as network-based, with low attack complexity and low privileges required for exploitation, making it accessible to a wider range of attackers. The confidentiality impact is none, while there is a low impact on integrity and availability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-22400 stems from the theme's failure to enforce appropriate access controls, allowing unauthorized users to gain access to resources they should not be able to access. The attack vector is via the network, where an attacker can exploit the vulnerability without any user interactions required.
The attack complexity is low, as attackers may only need to craft requests to bypass the access control checks. The privileges required for exploitation are also low, meaning that even users with limited access might exploit this vulnerability. The impacts on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system are low to none, but the potential for unauthorized access remains a significant concern.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risks include the possibility of attackers gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or administrative functions within websites using Mikado-Themes Holmes. Organizations must realize that even medium-severity vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences if left unaddressed.
The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is underscored by its potential for exploitation in the wild. While it has not been marked as actively exploited, the configuration issues allowing for this vulnerability are common in web applications, making it essential for security teams to review their access controls.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Mikado-Themes Holmes prior to and including 1.7 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using these versions should take immediate action to remediate.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to remediate this vulnerability. Users should update to the latest version of Mikado-Themes Holmes to ensure they are protected against this flaw. In addition to applying patches, organizations should review their access control configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future.
For ongoing security assurance, implementing a continuous security testing program can help identify and address vulnerabilities as they emerge. Organizations can validate their remediation efforts through continuous penetration testing that exercises the patched code path.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized access attempts to restricted resources. Behavioral anomalies such as unexpected changes in user permissions should also be investigated. Ensuring that network signatures are in place to detect suspicious activity can further bolster defenses.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-22400 lies in its representation of common configuration issues found in web applications. Security teams should learn from this vulnerability to improve their access control implementations, ensuring that similar flaws do not compromise their systems in the future.
As organizations increasingly adopt web themes and plugins, understanding the vulnerabilities associated with these components is crucial. For comprehensive protection, organizations can benefit from application security assessments that identify weaknesses in their web infrastructure.
In conclusion, this vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of security best practices in web development. Regular reviews and assessments can aid in the early detection of potential vulnerabilities. Organizations are encouraged to stay informed about emerging threats and to invest in penetration testing services to proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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