Simple Machines Forum 1.1.4 settings[default_theme_dir] code injection ⚔ [Disputed]

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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6.6$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Simple Machines Forum 1.1.4. It has been classified as critical. The impacted element is an unknown function. This manipulation of the argument settings[default_theme_dir] causes code injection. This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2008-6544. Furthermore, an exploit is available. There is ongoing doubt regarding the real existence of this vulnerability.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Simple Machines Forum 1.1.4 (Forum Software). Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown code block. The manipulation of the argument settings[default_theme_dir] with an unknown input leads to a code injection vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-94. The product constructs all or part of a code segment using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

** DISPUTED ** Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Simple Machines Forum (SMF) 1.1.4 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) settings[default_theme_dir] parameter to Sources/Subs-Graphics.php and (2) settings[default_theme_dir] parameter to Sources/Themes.php. NOTE: CVE and multiple third parties dispute this issue because the files contain a protection mechanism against direct request.

The weakness was published 03/28/2008 (Website). It is possible to read the advisory at archives.neohapsis.com. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2008-6544 since 03/29/2009. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploitation doesn't need any form of authentication. Technical details and also a public exploit are known. The attack technique deployed by this issue is T1059 according to MITRE ATT&CK.

It is possible to download the exploit at exploit-db.com. It is declared as proof-of-concept. The real existence of this vulnerability is still doubted at the moment.

There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (41518), Exploit-DB (31555), SecurityFocus (BID 28493†) and OSVDB (51301†). Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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Name

Version

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 6.6

VulDB Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Temp Score: 6.6
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Code injection
CWE: CWE-94 / CWE-74 / CWE-707
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Access: Public
Status: Proof-of-Concept
Download: 🔍

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Exploit-DB: 🔍

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: no mitigation known
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Timelineinfo

03/28/2008 🔍
03/28/2008 +0 days 🔍
01/01/2009 +279 days 🔍
03/29/2009 +86 days 🔍
03/29/2009 +0 days 🔍
03/17/2015 +2179 days 🔍
10/16/2025 +3865 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Advisory: archives.neohapsis.com
Status: Not defined
Disputed: 🔍

CVE: CVE-2008-6544 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2008-6544
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-47395
X-Force: 41518 - Simple Machines Forum (SMF) Subs-Graphics.php themes.php file include
SecurityFocus: 28493 - Simple Machines Forum Multiple Remote File Include Vulnerabilities
OSVDB: 51301 - Simple Machines Forum (SMF) Multiple Script Remote File Inclusion

scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20161013

Entryinfo

Created: 03/17/2015 23:38
Updated: 10/16/2025 01:00
Changes: 03/17/2015 23:38 (52), 11/03/2018 18:06 (6), 10/16/2025 01:00 (25)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

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