PatchTheCVECVE-2026-16337: Improper authorization in the ToolGroupResource and RoleAjax REST/DWR endpoints in dotCMS dotCMS 21.02 through
CVE-2026-16337 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.4) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Improper authorization in the ToolGroupResource and RoleAjax REST/DWR endpoints in dotCMS dotCMS 21.02 through 26.06.22-03 on all platforms allows a low-privileged authenticated backend user to self-assign the administrative layout and self-grant the CMS Administrator role, then achieve remote code execution via a crafted OSGi bundle upload whose BundleActivator executes arbitrary shell commands.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.4 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.6% (top 53%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-269 |
| Published | 2026-07-20 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-18 |
Last updated 2026-10-18 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2026-16337?
No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.
Is CVE-2026-16337 being exploited?
CVE-2026-16337 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2026-16337 affect?
CVE-2026-16337 affects affected software. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.4). Improper authorization in the ToolGroupResource and RoleAjax REST/DWR endpoints in dotCMS dotCMS 21.02 through 26.06.22-03 on all platforms allows a low-privileged authenticated backend user to self-assign the administrative layout and self
How urgent is CVE-2026-16337?
Priority 45/100. Critical severity