Incorrect Default Permissions in hMailServer

Summary

Incorrect default permissions in the Windows installer of Progressive Robot hMailServer 6.0.0 through 6.3.6 allow a local authenticated user to run code as the mail server's high-privileged accounts when the product is installed in a folder whose permissions are inherited from a writable parent, such as the root of a drive. The installer places the server's programs in the Bin folder of the program folder and gives neither the program folder nor Bin any permissions of their own, so they inherit the parent's. Under the default location, Program Files, ordinary users receive only read and execute and the configuration is not affected; but the installer accepts any path without warning, and a program folder at the root of an NTFS volume inherits write access for a broad group - Authenticated Users (Modify) on a Windows client, Users (create files and folders) on Windows Server. A local user without administrator rights can then alter or replace the service program, which runs as LocalSystem or as the service's virtual account, or the programs an administrator runs elevated from Bin during setup and maintenance, or place a library in Bin that those programs load in place of the system copy, gaining code execution with those privileges. The default Program Files installation is not affected.

Timeline

1. Oct 19, 2026, 3:34 PM UTCCVE published
2. Oct 20, 2026, 7:27 PM UTCCISA SSVC assessment

   Exploitation: none · Automatable: no · Technical impact: total

3. Oct 20, 2026, 7:27 PM UTCRecord last updated

Affected versions

• Progressive Robot Ltd hMailServer

  From 6.0.0 · through 6.3.6

References 2