CVE-2014-9241 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in MyBB (aka MyBulletinBoard) 1.8.x before 1.8.2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) type parameter to report.php, (2) signature parameter in a do_editsig action to usercp.php, or (3) title parameter in the style-templates module in an edit_template action or (4) file parameter in the config-languages module in an edit action to admin/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2025
The CVE-2014-9241 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting MyBB versions 1.8.x before 1.8.2, exposing users to persistent security risks through multiple attack vectors within the bulletin board system. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into web pages. The vulnerability affects core administrative and user-facing components of the MyBB platform, creating a comprehensive attack surface that spans from user profile management to system configuration interfaces.
The technical exploitation occurs through four distinct parameter injection points that collectively demonstrate a systemic failure in input validation and output sanitization. The first vector involves the type parameter in report.php, where malicious input can be injected to manipulate reporting functionality. The second vulnerability targets the signature parameter during do_editsig actions in usercp.php, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into user profiles that persist across sessions. The third and fourth vectors involve the title parameter in style-templates module during edit_template actions and the file parameter in config-languages module during edit actions in admin/index.php, respectively. These attack paths demonstrate how insufficient sanitization of user-controllable inputs can lead to code execution within the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, creating potential for session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized administrative access. When exploited, these XSS vulnerabilities can enable attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code in victims' browsers, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to phishing sites, or performing unauthorized actions within the MyBB system. The vulnerability affects both regular users and administrators, as the injected scripts execute in the context of authenticated sessions, making it particularly dangerous for privileged accounts. According to ATT&CK framework category T1531 - Account Access Removal, such vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized access and privilege escalation when combined with other exploitation techniques.
The vulnerability landscape surrounding CVE-2014-9241 highlights the importance of input validation and output encoding practices in web application security. The affected components represent critical system areas where user input should be strictly validated and sanitized before processing, particularly in administrative interfaces where the potential for damage is amplified. The presence of multiple attack vectors indicates a systemic security flaw in the MyBB codebase rather than isolated incidents, suggesting that similar vulnerabilities may exist in other input handling areas of the application. Organizations using MyBB versions prior to 1.8.2 should immediately implement patch management procedures to address this vulnerability, as the exposure window for exploitation remains significant given the widespread adoption of this bulletin board system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9241 should include immediate deployment of the official MyBB 1.8.2 patch, which addresses all four identified attack vectors through comprehensive input sanitization. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities, establish robust input validation policies, and conduct regular security audits of user-controllable parameters. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include both perimeter security controls and application-level protections. Regular security testing of web applications should include comprehensive XSS vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses in other systems.