CVE-2007-5943 in Simple Machines
Summary
by MITRE
Simple Machines Forum (SMF) 1.1.4 allows remote attackers to read a message in private forums by using the advanced search module with the "show results as messages" option, then searching for possible keywords contained in that message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5943 represents a critical access control flaw within Simple Machines Forum version 1.1.4 that undermines the security model of private forum communications. This issue specifically affects the advanced search functionality of the forum software, where authenticated users can exploit a design oversight to gain unauthorized access to private messages that should only be visible to authorized participants. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated bypass mechanism that leverages the search module's handling of results display, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent the intended privacy controls of the platform.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker utilizes the advanced search interface with the specific "show results as messages" option enabled. This configuration allows the search functionality to return message-level results rather than just topic-level summaries, which creates an unintended information disclosure channel. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and access control enforcement within the search module, where the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user has appropriate permissions to view the specific message content being returned in search results. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks, which can be categorized under CWE-285, specifically related to improper authorization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the confidentiality assurances that private forums are designed to provide. Attackers can systematically search for keywords that might appear in private messages, potentially accessing sensitive communications, personal information, or confidential discussions that should remain restricted to authorized participants only. This vulnerability affects the core security principle of least privilege, where users should only have access to information necessary for their role within the forum environment. The impact is particularly severe in contexts where forums host sensitive discussions, such as corporate internal communications, healthcare information systems, or any platform handling personally identifiable information.
Organizations utilizing SMF 1.1.4 should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the forum software, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. The recommended approach involves strengthening access controls within the search functionality to ensure proper permission validation occurs before any message-level results are returned to users. Additionally, implementing network-level restrictions and monitoring for unusual search patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials and privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage existing search capabilities to gain unauthorized access to restricted content without requiring additional credentials or sophisticated attack vectors. The remediation process should include comprehensive security testing of search functionality and access control mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other forum components or similar web applications.