External risk intelligence

VBulletin Command Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-16759

A vulnerability in vBulletin 5.x software allows remote command execution. This could impact affected systems and data, creating business risk. Organizations using vulnerable versions should investigate and apply vendor-recommended updates.

5Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

Vbulletin

5.0.0 to 5.5.4

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-16759

vBulletin is a widely used forum software product designed to be deployed as a public-facing web application. As it is a web-based platform intended for community interaction and content hosting, its core functionality requires the application to be exposed to the public internet by design.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The vBulletin 5.x forum software is susceptible to a vulnerability that permits attackers to execute commands remotely. This flaw can lead to unauthorized actions on affected systems.

  • Vulnerable vBulletin 5.x software
  • Remote command execution flaw
  • Compromised systems and data

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A remote attacker can execute commands on a vulnerable system by sending a specially crafted request. This request targets a specific parameter within the application's AJAX rendering functionality, allowing unauthorized command execution. The impact can lead to unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of data, and potentially a compromise of the entire system.

  • Publicly accessible web server.
  • Unauthenticated attacker sends malicious request.
  • Triggering command execution results in system control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in vBulletin software could allow attackers to execute commands remotely on affected systems. The exploitation of this flaw does not require special skills or prior access, posing a significant risk to organizations using vulnerable versions of the software. The potential for unauthorized command execution and data compromise indicates a high level of business risk.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: None
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows for remote command execution, posing a significant risk to organizations using affected versions of the software. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of services. The organization should prioritize a response to mitigate this risk.

  • Find exposed software instances.
  • Reduce access or isolate systems.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is vBulletin 5.x and its primary function?

vBulletin 5.x is a forum software used for creating and managing online community discussion boards. It enables users to interact, share information, and participate in discussions on a website.

What type of weakness is CVE-2019-16759 in vBulletin 5.x?

CVE-2019-16759 is classified as a CWE-94 weakness, specifically 'Code Injection'. This flaw allows an attacker to insert and run their own code on the server, leading to remote command execution.

How can CVE-2019-16759 be exploited, and what is the scope of impact?

An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to the 'ajax/render/widget_php' routestring, specifically manipulating the 'widgetConfig[code]' parameter. This allows for remote command execution on the server.

What is the relevance of CVE-2019-16759, considering Halo Surface Signal data?

vBulletin is a widely used public-facing web application for community interaction. Given its nature, it's considered a high-risk target, making the remote command execution flaw highly relevant and likely to be exploited.

What actions should be taken to address the vBulletin command execution vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all exposed instances of vulnerable vBulletin software, reduce access or isolate affected systems, and apply vendor-provided fixes. Verification and ongoing monitoring are crucial to confirm the mitigation is effective.

References