CVE-2026-16764 DefectDojo vulnerability
A vulnerability was identified in OWASP DefectDojo 2.59.0. This issue affects the function UserSerializer of the file dojo/api_v2/serializers.py of the component API/Web. Such manipulation of the argument is_staff leads to improper privilege management. The attack may be performed from remote. The exploit is publicly available and might be used. Upgrading to version 2.58.3 and 3.0.0 is capable of addressing this issue. The name of the patch is 68a272f299d096249fd3ba9c2676bf69012857bf. It is advisable to upgrade the affected component. 2.59.0 was not intended to be released and has been removed.
Browse API Security security risksQuick answer
OWASP DefectDojo should be reviewed and updated if it matches the affected versions. The recommended fix is to apply the vendor-supported patched version or the mitigation steps below, then retest the public website with Fixnx.
Who is affected
Affected versions
- 2.59.0
Fixed versions
- 2.58.3
- 3.0.0
How to fix it
CVE-2026-16764 affects DefectDojo and involves authorization failure. Successful exploitation may let a lower-privileged user view or change data outside their allowed scope. Treat this as a high-priority fix, especially when the affected component or endpoint is reachable by untrusted users. Upgrade DefectDojo to 2.58.3, 3.0.0 or a later vendor-supported fixed release.
- Inventory every deployment, device, package, plugin, container, build, and environment that uses DefectDojo.
- Compare the installed version with the recorded affected range: 2.59.0.
- Upgrade DefectDojo to 2.58.3, 3.0.0 or a later vendor-supported fixed release.
- Until patched, restrict the affected API or workflow to trusted administrators and enforce an additional access-control layer at the proxy or network boundary.
- Review configuration, roles, tokens, network paths, and exposed endpoints connected to DefectDojo; remove access that is not required.
- Review authentication, API, audit, and object-change logs for cross-user access, bypassed checks, or unexpected privileged actions.
- If exploitation is suspected, isolate affected assets, preserve evidence, rotate exposed credentials or keys, restore trusted data, and rebuild compromised systems before returning them to service.
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Verify the fix
- Confirm every affected asset now runs the fixed vendor-supported release or has the documented mitigation for CVE-2026-16764 in place.
- Use a safe regression test to confirm the affected authorization failure path no longer produces the vulnerable behavior.
- Confirm temporary access controls, endpoint restrictions, network blocks, and least-privilege settings remain effective after the update.
- Review post-remediation logs and rerun Fixnx plus the relevant package, dependency, firmware, browser, or product-specific security check.
- Document affected assets, versions, changes, validation evidence, reviewed logs, and any credential rotation, cleanup, or replacement completed.
Related categories
Related security risks
More published guidance from the same primary category.
Trusted references
FAQ
What is affected by CVE-2026-16764?
OWASP DefectDojo versions listed as affected should be reviewed: 2.59.0.
What should I fix first?
Start with internet-facing sites, admin panels, login flows, plugins, themes, modules, packages, and systems that process user-controlled input or sensitive data.
How do I confirm the fix worked?
Apply the patched version or mitigation, clear caches where relevant, retest the affected workflow, and run a new Fixnx scan to verify public website exposure signals.
How are Fixnx security risk categories chosen?
Fixnx keeps one canonical risk page and assigns only broad, relevant categories such as ecosystem, technology area, or vulnerability class.