CVE-2013-7467 in Simple Machines Forum
Summary
by MITRE
Simple Machines Forum (SMF) 2.0.4 allows XSS via the index.php?action=pm;sa=settings;save sa parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7467 affects Simple Machines Forum version 2.0.4 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that specifically targets the private messaging settings functionality. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the forum's parameter handling mechanism, creating an exploitable condition that could allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts into the application's response. The vulnerability manifests when users navigate to the private messaging settings page through the index.php?action=pm;sa=settings;save URL structure, where the sa parameter fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before rendering it in the browser context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the sa parameter in the URL, which allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a reflected XSS attack where malicious input is immediately reflected back to the user without proper sanitization. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding mechanisms that are fundamental requirements for preventing XSS attacks according to industry security standards. The vulnerability affects the application's authentication and session management context, as successful exploitation could lead to session hijacking or privilege escalation within the forum environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate user sessions, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites. When exploited, the vulnerability could enable attackers to access private messages, modify user settings, or even gain unauthorized access to administrative functions if the targeted users possess elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond navigating to a specially crafted URL, making it suitable for phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks. This vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of user data within the forum, potentially compromising the trust relationship between users and the platform administrators.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7467 should prioritize immediate application patching to address the input validation flaw in the SMF 2.0.4 codebase. Organizations should implement comprehensive output encoding for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in URL routing and configuration settings. Security measures should include input validation that restricts the sa parameter to predefined acceptable values, preventing arbitrary code injection attempts. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth against potential exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation vulnerabilities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) and T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) as potential attack vectors, emphasizing the need for both application-level and user awareness security measures. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all forum users are educated about the risks of clicking untrusted links.