CVE-2012-4035 in PBBoard
Summary
by MITRE
The new_password page in PBBoard 2.1.4 allows remote attackers to change the password of arbitrary user accounts via the member_id and new_password parameters to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4035 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within PBBoard version 2.1.4, a popular bulletin board system. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation and authentication checks on the new_password page functionality, which is designed to allow users to reset their own passwords. The vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script where the member_id and new_password parameters are processed without proper authorization verification, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate user account credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the lack of proper access control mechanisms within the password reset functionality. When an attacker submits a request to index.php with crafted member_id and new_password parameters, the system processes these inputs without verifying whether the attacker possesses legitimate authorization to modify the target user's password. This design flaw constitutes a classic case of insufficient authorization checks, which maps directly to CWE-285, specifically the weakness related to insufficient authorization within authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially allows for arbitrary user account takeover through a simple parameter manipulation attack that does not require authentication to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4035 extends far beyond simple password modification, as it provides attackers with complete control over targeted user accounts within the PBBoard system. This vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to user private messages, personal information, and potentially escalate privileges within the forum environment. From an adversary perspective, this represents a high-value target within the attack chain as defined by the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the credential access tactics where attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities to maintain persistent access to compromised systems. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring any prior system access, making it particularly dangerous for forum administrators who may not immediately detect the compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate implementation of proper authentication checks and input validation mechanisms within the password reset functionality. System administrators must ensure that all user account modification requests are properly authenticated and authorized, typically through session validation or cryptographic token verification. The recommended approach involves implementing proper access control lists that verify the requesting user's identity against the target account before allowing password changes. Additionally, the system should enforce proper parameter sanitization and implement rate limiting to prevent automated exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege where only authorized users can perform password reset operations, and all transactions should be logged for audit purposes. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of implementing robust access control mechanisms and proper input validation in web applications, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 security principles and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.