---
id: "CVE-2026-116876"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-116876"]
title: "Semantic MediaWiki: ordinary editors can lock pages permanently via annotation"
severity: "high"
cvss: 7.1
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "package"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["mediawiki", "package", "php", "self-hosted", "semantic-mediawiki"]
not_affected_if: ["default-config", "patched-version"]
published_at: "2026-10-27T11:17:29+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-27T11:31:27+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-27T11:31:54+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-116876", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-27T11:31:27+00:00"}]
---

# Semantic MediaWiki: ordinary editors can lock pages permanently via annotation

Semantic MediaWiki from 2.5.0 before 7.3.1 lets any ordinary editor add an 'Is edit protected' annotation that sets indefinite edit and move restrictions on a page. The check that the author holds the right to protect pages is missing, so the editor locks out other editors and administrators.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- Check the installed Semantic MediaWiki version in Special:Version or in composer.lock for `mediawiki/semantic-media-wiki`
- Check whether `$smwgEditProtectionRight` is set in LocalSettings.php (unknown if the sources do not say which default applies)

## Fix

- Upgrade Semantic MediaWiki to `7.3.1` or later
- Until upgraded, leave `$smwgEditProtectionRight` disabled (unknown whether this fully closes the flaw)

## Timeline

- 2026-10-27T11:31:27+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-116876

## From the sources

Semantic MediaWiki from 2.5.0 before 7.3.1 contains an improper authorization vulnerability that allows ordinary editors to permanently protect pages by adding an Is edit protected annotation. When $smwgEditProtectionRight is enabled, EditProtectionUpdater applies indefinite edit and move restrictions without checking the author's rights, locking other editors and administrators out.

---

_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_