XenForo: Improper Authentication
CVE-2025-71279 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in XenForo, 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. The record lists version 2.3.7 as the first without the flaw, so updating XenForo to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.46% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update XenForo to 2.3.7 or a later version.
- 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 the organisation that assigned the CVE. 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 CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.3 | Critical | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
XenForo before 2.3.7 contains a security issue affecting Passkeys that have been added to user accounts. An attacker may be able to compromise the security of Passkey-based authentication.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
- vulncheck.com/advisories/xenforo-passkey-security-bypassThird Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in XenForo
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.