CVE-2015-2332 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in member.php in MyBB (aka MyBulletinBoard) before 1.8.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2332 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the MyBB bulletin board system that affects versions prior to 1.8.4. This vulnerability resides in the member.php script, which serves as a core component for user management and profile handling within the forum platform. The issue allows remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially compromising the security of the entire user base. MyBB, being a widely deployed open-source forum software, makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it affects numerous websites and organizations that rely on this platform for community engagement and discussion forums.
The technical nature of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the member.php script. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to inject malicious payloads that will be executed when other users view affected pages or interact with the forum. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that malicious actors do not require physical access or local privileges to exploit the flaw, making it accessible to anyone with network connectivity to the affected system. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple input points within the member.php script may be susceptible to injection attacks, potentially including user profile fields, member search parameters, or other interactive elements.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-2332 extends beyond simple script injection, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface forum content, or even escalate privileges within the forum environment. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can be leveraged for persistent attacks against forum users. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that MyBB installations often contain sensitive user information including personal details, posting history, and potentially confidential communications. Organizations using affected versions of MyBB face significant risk of data compromise, reputational damage, and potential regulatory violations if user data is accessed or manipulated through this vulnerability. The impact is amplified by the fact that forum administrators may not immediately detect the exploitation due to the subtle nature of XSS attacks and the potential for attackers to use the vulnerability for extended periods without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2332 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MyBB installations to version 1.8.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures, including the use of proper HTML escaping and sanitization techniques for all user-provided data. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious traffic patterns. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability scanning and log analysis to detect potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can help prevent execution of unauthorized scripts even if exploitation occurs. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their MyBB installations and maintain up-to-date security patches for all software components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of the ATT&CK framework's persistence and credential access tactics, as attackers could potentially use such vulnerabilities to establish long-term access to forum environments and user accounts. Regular security awareness training for administrators and developers is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom modifications or extensions that may interact with core MyBB components.