Actively Exploited, CISA KEV

CVE-2026-48907: Widget Factory Joomla Content Editor Critical Vulnerability

Severity: Critical | CVSS 3.1: 9.8 | Published: 2026-06-05 | KEV Added: 2026-06-16

What is CVE-2026-48907?

A vulnerability in the JCE editor extension for Joomla allows the creation of new editor profiles for unauthenticated users, ultimately resulting in PHP code upload and execution.

Technical Analysis

Weakness Classification

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-284, Improper Access Control. The software does not properly restrict access to resources, allowing unauthorized users to perform actions or access data.

Attack Vector Breakdown

  • Attack Vector: Network
  • Attack Complexity: Low
  • Privileges Required: None
  • User Interaction: None
  • Scope: Unchanged
  • Confidentiality: High
  • Integrity: High
  • Availability: High

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability is exploitable over the network, meaning any system reachable via the internet or internal network is potentially at risk without physical access. The attack complexity is low, requires no special privileges, and needs no user interaction, making it straightforward to exploit at scale. Successful exploitation can result in full confidentiality breach (complete data disclosure), complete integrity compromise (data modification or code execution), total availability loss (denial of service). The software does not properly restrict access to resources, allowing unauthorized users to perform actions or access data.

Exploitation Probability (EPSS): 83.0% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (100th percentile). This places the vulnerability in the highest risk tier, immediate action is critical.

Exploit Availability

Public exploit code or proof-of-concept is available for CVE-2026-48907. This significantly increases the risk of exploitation, as attackers can use or adapt existing exploit code rather than developing their own. A public exploit reference has been identified. Organizations should treat this as an urgent patching priority.

Is CVE-2026-48907 being exploited?

Yes. CVE-2026-48907 is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, restricted to CVEs with confirmed active exploitation in the wild. CISA added this vulnerability on 2026-06-16. Inclusion in KEV triggers the patching mandate under BOD 22-01 for U.S. federal civilian agencies, with a remediation deadline of 2026-06-19. Additionally, public exploit code is available, which lowers the barrier for attackers.

How to fix CVE-2026-48907

Apply the security update issued by Widget Factory for Joomla Content Editor . If an immediate patch is not possible, consult the vendor advisory for mitigation guidance, restrict network exposure of the affected service, and monitor logs for indicators of exploitation. CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog requires U.S. federal agencies to remediate this vulnerability by the due date shown below under Binding Operational Directive 22-01. Private organizations should treat KEV entries as priority-one patches because active exploitation has been confirmed in the wild.

Related Vulnerabilities

Other actively exploited vulnerabilities sharing the same weakness pattern (CWE-284, Improper Access Control):

  • CVE-2026-34908 (Critical 10.0) [same CWE], A malicious actor with access to the network could exploit an Improper Access…
  • CVE-2026-35616 (Critical 9.8) [same CWE], A improper access control vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClientEMS 7.4.5…
  • CVE-2025-12480 (Critical 9.1) [same CWE], Triofox versions prior to 16.7.10368.56560, are vulnerable to an Improper…
  • CVE-2025-33073 (High 8.8) [same CWE], Improper access control in Windows SMB allows an authorized attacker to…
  • CVE-2025-59230 (High 7.8) [same CWE], Improper access control in Windows Remote Access Connection Manager allows an…

Frequently asked questions

Is CVE-2026-48907 critical?

CVE-2026-48907 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, Critical severity. It should be treated as a priority patch, especially given the active exploitation confirmed by CISA. The availability of public exploit code further increases the urgency.

Is CVE-2026-48907 being actively exploited?

Yes, CISA added CVE-2026-48907 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-06-16. Inclusion in KEV means CISA has confirmed in-the-wild exploitation. Public exploit code has also been identified, making exploitation accessible to a broader range of threat actors.

How do I patch CVE-2026-48907?

Apply the security update from Widget Factory for Joomla Content Editor . Federal agencies must remediate by 2026-06-19 under BOD 22-01.

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-48907?

CVE-2026-48907 is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control). The software does not properly restrict access to resources, allowing unauthorized users to perform actions or access data.

What is the CVSS score for CVE-2026-48907?

CVE-2026-48907 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, classifying it as Critical severity. The attack vector is Network, attack complexity is Low, and no privileges are required.