CVE-2020-17496KEV · OVERDUE

vBulletin PHP Module Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Critical · published August 12, 2020

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it critical at 9.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.8th percentile for exploit probability.

1635
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
87%
Percentile
99.8
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A crafty request is all it takes to unleash chaos! vBulletin versions 5.5.4 to 5.6.2 are vulnerable to remote command execution through manipulated subWidgets data — it’s like giving a visitor the key to the staff-only area without checking their credentials. 🔥 Think of your favorite café. If a clever customer could slip a fake order to the barista, they could get free drinks without a second glance! This vulnerability operates in a similar way, allowing attackers to execute commands without proper authorization. This flaw could allow an attacker to execute any command on the server, leading to the potential loss of sensitive data or full system compromise. Imagine a burglar walking in and making off with the entire cash register without breaking a single lock — absolutely devastating!

Put simply

Think of your favorite café. If a clever customer could slip a fake order to the barista, they could get free drinks without a second glance! This vulnerability operates in a similar way, allowing attackers to execute commands without proper authorization. This remote command execution vulnerability arises from a flaw in the handling of ajax/render/widget_tabbedcontainer_tab_panel requests, making it possible for attackers to craft malicious subWidgets data that the system blindly executes.

What to do

This flaw could allow an attacker to execute any command on the server, leading to the potential loss of sensitive data or full system compromise. Imagine a burglar walking in and making off with the entire cash register without breaking a single lock — absolutely devastating! To protect yourself, upgrade to vBulletin 5.6.3 or later immediately. Additionally, review your widget configurations and restrict data handling as needed to prevent future exploits. Don't let similar vulnerabilities slip through! You've got this — patching now will help keep your community safe and sound! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.87478 · 99.8th percentile
Published
2020-08-12T13:07Z
KEV added
2021-11-03 · due 2022-05-03
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 03 NOV 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by May 3
    kev
  • 12 AUG 13:07Z
    vBulletin 5.5.4 through 5.6.2 allows remote command execution via crafted subWidgets data in an ajax/render/widget_tabbedcontainer_tab_panel request
    cvelistv5