External risk intelligence

vBulletin Remote Command Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-17496

A vulnerability in vBulletin forum software permits remote command execution via crafted data. This could allow attackers to compromise systems and data. Organizations using affected versions face significant business risk and should prioritize remediation.

5Halo Surface Signal

Vbulletin

5.5.4 to 5.6.2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2020-17496

vBulletin is a widely used forum software platform designed to be publicly accessible as a web application. The vulnerability exists in a common request path for rendering UI widgets, which is exposed to internet users by default in standard forum deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The vBulletin forum software contains a flaw that allows for the execution of remote commands. This vulnerability arises from an incomplete solution to a previously identified issue. Organizations utilizing affected versions of vBulletin are at risk if this flaw is exploited.

  • Vulnerable vBulletin component
  • Remote command execution flaw
  • Compromised systems and data

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute commands remotely on affected systems. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted data within a specific request to the vBulletin application. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized command execution, impacting the integrity and confidentiality of the system.

  • Publicly accessible web interface
  • Crafted request to ajax/render/widget_tabbedcontainer_tab_panel
  • Remote command execution

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A critical vulnerability exists within specific versions of vBulletin software, enabling remote command execution. This flaw allows unauthorized actors to run malicious commands on affected systems without prior access or authentication. The potential for widespread damage and business disruption is significant, necessitating immediate attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Any.
  • Required access or conditions: Public internet access.
  • Business risk or urgency: Critical.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The identified vulnerability in vBulletin software allows for remote command execution through specifically crafted data submissions. This poses a significant risk, potentially enabling unauthorized access and control over affected systems. Organizations using the impacted versions of vBulletin should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to mitigate potential business disruption and data compromise. The known exploitability of this CVE warrants immediate attention from security and IT operations teams.

  • Identify all vBulletin installations.
  • Restrict network access to vulnerable instances.
  • Apply vendor patches and validate.

Frequently asked questions

What is vBulletin and its purpose for online communities?

vBulletin is commercial forum software used to build and manage online communities and discussion boards, facilitating user interaction and information sharing on websites.

How does CVE-2020-17496 enable remote command execution using specific weaknesses?

This vulnerability, identified as CWE-74, allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on a server. It is triggered by sending specially crafted data within an ajax/render/widget_tabbedcontainer_tab_panel request, exploiting how the software processes widget data.

What conditions allow an attacker to exploit this vBulletin vulnerability?

Exploitation requires an attacker to send crafted data within a specific request to the vBulletin application's ajax/render/widget_tabbedcontainer_tab_panel endpoint. Public internet access is sufficient, with no prior authentication needed.

Why is Halo Surface Signal's 'Very likely' assessment relevant to this CVE?

Halo Surface Signal assesses this CVE as 'Very likely' exploitable because vBulletin is common, publicly accessible web forum software, and the vulnerability lies in a frequently used request path for UI widgets.

What steps should be taken to respond to this vBulletin command execution risk?

Organizations should identify all vBulletin installations, restrict network access to vulnerable instances, and promptly apply vendor patches. Validating the successful implementation of these fixes is also crucial.

References

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)

Sources: malpedia