CVE-2008-6657 in Simple Machines
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in index.php in Simple Machines Forum (SMF) 1.0 before 1.0.15 and 1.1 before 1.1.7 allows remote attackers to hijack the authentication of admins for requests that install packages via the package parameter in an install2 action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The CVE-2008-6657 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw in Simple Machines Forum versions prior to 1.0.15 and 1.1.7. This vulnerability exists in the index.php file and specifically targets administrative authentication sessions, allowing remote attackers to exploit the system's trust relationship with authenticated administrators. The flaw enables malicious actors to perform unauthorized administrative actions by leveraging forged requests that appear to originate from legitimate admin sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper anti-CSRF token validation within the package installation mechanism. When administrators navigate to the install2 action with a package parameter, the system fails to verify that the request originates from an authenticated user with proper authorization. This omission creates a pathway for attackers to craft malicious requests that can execute package installations without the administrator's knowledge or consent. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface where package management operations are performed, making it particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to install malicious code or extensions that compromise the entire forum system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to full system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF flaw can install arbitrary packages, potentially including malware, backdoors, or other malicious components that can persist on the server. This capability allows for long-term system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is especially concerning because it requires minimal user interaction from the administrator, as the malicious package installation can occur automatically when the administrator visits a compromised webpage or clicks on a malicious link. The attack vector demonstrates a clear path from initial exploitation to persistent system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing robust anti-CSRF token mechanisms throughout the application's administrative interface. The solution requires generating unique, unpredictable tokens for each administrative session and validating these tokens before processing any privileged operations. Organizations should ensure that all administrative actions, particularly those involving package management or system configuration changes, require explicit token validation. This approach aligns with established security practices and addresses the core weakness identified in the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper session management and access controls can prevent unauthorized administrative actions even if other security measures fail. The remediation efforts should also include regular security audits and updates to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other parts of the application. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of CSRF protection in web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions and system-level operations.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1505 for server software component compromises. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient input validation and lack of proper session management can create persistent security weaknesses that allow attackers to escalate privileges and compromise entire systems.