vBulletin PHP Module Remote Code Execution
CVE-2019-16759 is a critical-severity improper control of generation of code vulnerability in Vbulletin, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Vbulletin versions: 5.0.0 through 5.5.4. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on November 3, 2021, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Check which version of Vbulletin you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
vBulletin 5.x through 5.5.4 allows remote command execution via the widgetConfig[code] parameter in an ajax/render/widget_php routestring request.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Control of Generation of Code
The product constructs all or part of a code segment using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Refactor your program so that you do not have to dynamically generate code.
- Run your code in a jail or similar sandbox environment that enforces strict boundaries between the process and the operating system. This may effectively restrict which code can be executed by your product. Examples include the Unix chroot jail and AppArmor. In general, managed code may provide some protection. This may not be a feasible solution, and it only limits the impact to the operating system; the rest of your application may still be subject to compromise. Be careful to avoid CWE-243 and other weaknesses related to jails.
- Use dynamic tools and techniques that interact with the product using large test suites with many diverse inputs, such as fuzz testing (fuzzing), robustness testing, and fault injection. The product's operation may slow down, but it should not become unstable, crash, or generate incorrect results.
More Improper Control of Generation of Code vulnerabilities (CWE-94)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- theregister.co.uk/2019/09/24/vbulletin_vbug_zeroday/Press/Media Coverage, Third Party Advisory
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2019-16759US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/154623/vBulletin-5.x-0-Day-Pre-Auth-Remote-Command-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/154648/vBulletin-5.x-Pre-Auth-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/155633/vBulletin-5.5.4-Remote-Command-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/158829/vBulletin-5.x-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/158830/vBulletin-5.x-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/158866/vBulletin-5.x-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2020/Aug/5Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
- arstechnica.com/information-technology/2019/09/public-exploit-code-spawns-mass-attacks-against-high-severity-…Exploit, Press/Media Coverage, Third Party Advisory
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2019/Sep/31Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Vbulletin
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Improper Control of Generation of Code vulnerabilities
- 7.2 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
Kibana Arbitrary Code Execution Exploited
- 8.8 High severity
ThinkPHP Remote Code Execution Exploited
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Drupal Core Remote Code Execution Exploited
- 9.8 Critical severity
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