CVE-2026-55493 Details
Description
HotCRP is conference review software. Starting with 2.101, the `cmt:` search term checks whether a comment is visible to the searching user but fails to check whether the commenter's identity should be visible. A `cmt:USER` search can therefore match a paper with a visible comment authored by USER even when the comment is supposed to be anonymous. An authenticated user with access to the search can infer the author of an anonymous comment, compromising reviewer anonymity. Comments that the user cannot see remain excluded from search results. The advisory prose identifies 3.3 as fixed, its affected-version metadata excludes 3.3, and the verified repository tag 3.3 already contains the identity-check fix; however, its patched-version metadata instead lists 3.3.1. This fixed-version source conflict remains unresolved.
A vulnerability in HotCRP conference review software, introduced in version 2.101, allows an authenticated user to infer the identity of a commenter on anonymous reviews. This issue arises because the 'cmt:' search term checks comment visibility to the user without verifying if the commenter's identity should remain confidential. As a result, a 'cmt:USER' search can reveal authorship of comments meant to be anonymous, compromising reviewer privacy. The vulnerability affects HotCRP versions prior to 3.3 and has been patched in version 3.3.1.
Users can upgrade to HotCRP version 3.3.1 to address this vulnerability.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
Volerion
Assessed Oct 30, 2026CISA-ADP
Assessed Nov 5, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
By selecting these links, you will be leaving this site. These are references gathered from the official CVE record and are not endorsed by Volerion.
| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://github.com/kohler/hotcrp/commit/c4b008e756650db3063e8dd8300127936aae9ec1 | [email protected] | Source CodeVendor |
| https://github.com/kohler/hotcrp/releases/tag/v3.3 | [email protected] | Release NotesVendor |
| https://github.com/kohler/hotcrp/security/advisories/GHSA-x3g6-4c5h-7p29 | [email protected] | AdvisoryRemedyVendor |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-863 | Incorrect Authorization | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| HotCRP | < 3.3 |
CPE
Remediation
| |
Change History
2 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| Oct 30, 2026 | New CVE Received | [email protected] |
Volerion