CVE-2012-5908 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in admin/modules/user/users.php in MyBB (aka MyBulletinBoard) 1.6.6 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the conditions[usergroup][] parameter in a search action to admin/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The CVE-2012-5908 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in MyBB version 1.6.6, specifically within the administrative module responsible for user management. This vulnerability exists in the admin/modules/user/users.php file and manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input during search operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or complete compromise of the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs within the administrative interface, providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive user management functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the conditions[usergroup][] parameter in search requests directed to admin/index.php. When an administrator performs a user search operation with malicious input in this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before processing it. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code that gets executed when other administrators view the search results. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the MyBB administrative interface, creating a classic XSS attack vector that falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. The flaw demonstrates a failure to implement proper security controls such as input sanitization and output encoding, which are fundamental requirements for preventing XSS attacks according to industry security standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to escalate privileges and gain access to sensitive administrative functions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially modify user permissions, delete accounts, access confidential user data, or even install backdoors within the forum system. The administrative context of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation would grant attackers the same privileges as legitimate administrators, making it particularly dangerous for forum administrators who regularly access the management interface. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code in the browser context of administrators. The impact is further amplified by the fact that many forum administrators may have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system information, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5908 should focus on immediate patching of the MyBB application to version 1.6.7 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications, particularly in administrative interfaces where privileged operations occur. The solution involves proper sanitization of all user-supplied input before it is processed or displayed, implementing Content Security Policy headers, and ensuring that all parameters passed to administrative functions are properly validated. Security measures should include regular security audits of web applications, input validation testing, and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns, while maintaining up-to-date security patches for all software components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, particularly those related to input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.