PatchTheCVECVE-2026-96404: When Gitea's web installer is reachable against a database that already contains users, such as after `INSTALL
CVE-2026-96404 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.1) affecting gitea. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
When Gitea's web installer is reachable against a database that already contains users, such as after `INSTALL_LOCK` has been reset to `false`, submitting the install form with an administrator username matching an existing account issued an authenticated session for that account without verifying its password. If the account is an administrator, the session grants full administrative access, including changing the account's password. Databases w
Why this priority
- High severity
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 8.1 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.6% (top 52%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-287 |
| Published | 2026-10-06 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-13 |
Last updated 2026-10-13 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
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-2026-96404?
gitea: upgrade to 28.0.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2026-96404 being exploited?
CVE-2026-96404 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-2026-96404 affect?
CVE-2026-96404 affects gitea. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). When Gitea's web installer is reachable against a database that already contains users, such as after `INSTALL_LOCK` has been reset to `false`, submitting the install form with an administrator username matching an existing account issued a
How urgent is CVE-2026-96404?
Priority 50/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
Software pages
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