LimeSurvey constructs account password-reset links from the client-supplied HTTP Host header without validating it.
Impact
LimeSurvey constructs account password-reset links from the client-supplied HTTP Host header without validating it. The optional allowedHosts allowlist that would constrain this is undefined in the default (and documented) configuration, so LSHttpRequest::checkIsAllowedHost() results in no operation. A remote, unauthenticated attacker who submits a forgotten-password request for a known account (requiring only the target's username and email) with a spoofed Host header causes LimeSurvey to email that account a reset link whose hostname is attacker-controlled while embedding the genuine…
Source excerpt · OSVAffected packages
Start with the recorded fix for your release branch. Check your installed version and test compatibility before upgrading. Fixing this advisory does not rule out other vulnerabilities in the release.
| Affected range | Recorded fix |
|---|---|
| Earlier releases through 7.0.0-beta1 (inclusive)Ecosystem versions | Not recorded |
Version evidence: OSV · GHSA-5c37-5j7w-8mh8
View original version evidence (741 explicit versions)
Original source description
LimeSurvey constructs account password-reset links from the client-supplied HTTP Host header without validating it. The optional allowedHosts allowlist that would constrain this is undefined in the default (and documented) configuration, so LSHttpRequest::checkIsAllowedHost() results in no operation. A remote, unauthenticated attacker who submits a forgotten-password request for a known account (requiring only the target's username and email) with a spoofed Host header causes LimeSurvey to email that account a reset link whose hostname is attacker-controlled while embedding the genuine validation_key. When the recipient or an automated inbound mail-security link scanner dereferences the link, the valid reset token is disclosed to the attacker, who replays it against the legitimate host's newPassword endpoint to set a new password and take over the account.
References
- Security advisory nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-50635
- Patch github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurvey/pull/5032
- Patch github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurvey/commit/ac2a4f1673de7b56e7a342c338f36e8bb077d4b3
- Patch github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurvey/commit/b394cb64328aa6db95e3304f82c8c9e603e9ceb0
- Source reference github.com/LimeSurvey/LimeSurvey
- Source reference www.limesurvey.org/
- Security advisory www.vulncheck.com/advisories/limesurvey-password-reset-host-header-injection-discloses-reset-token