Severity: Unknown
Description: YaBB through 2.5.2: 'guestlanguage' Cookie Parameter Local File Include Vulnerability
CVSS Score: N/A
D
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1. Risk Assessment
The vulnerability CVE-2013-2057 affects YaBB forum software through version 2.5.2 and is a Local File Include (LFI) vulnerability stemming from improper sanitization of the 'guestlanguage' cookie parameter. This means an attacker can potentially include arbitrary files from the server’s filesystem into the web application's response. The risk is moderate. While not immediately critical, successful exploitation can lead to information disclosure, potentially escalating to remote code execution depending on the included file and server configuration. The likelihood of exploitation is moderate; attackers need access to manipulate the 'guestlanguage' cookie, which is relatively easy to do via browser tools or network interception. Ease of exploitation is also moderate, as the attacker needs some understanding of the file system to choose a useful file to include. Impact on confidentiality is high if sensitive files are included. Integrity is moderate, as the included file could modify application behavior. Availability is moderate, as a poorly chosen included file could cause a denial of service. The EPSS score of 0.020170000 indicates a relatively low, but present, probability of exploitation in the wild.
2. Potential Attack Scenarios
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the 'guestlanguage' cookie to include the contents of the server’s `/etc/passwd` file. The attack vector involves sending a web request to the YaBB forum with a crafted 'guestlanguage' cookie. The attacker sets the cookie value to a path pointing to /etc/passwd, such as 'guestlanguage=../../../../../../etc/passwd'. When the YaBB forum processes the request, it includes the contents of /etc/passwd into the web page. The attacker then views the webpage, revealing usernames and user IDs from the server. This information can then be used in further attacks, like brute-force password attempts or privilege escalation. A more advanced scenario could involve including a PHP file if PHP execution is allowed within the included file, potentially leading to remote code execution.
3. Mitigation Recommendations
The primary mitigation for this vulnerability is to upgrade YaBB to a version greater than 2.5.2. The latest version should be installed to address other potential vulnerabilities as well. If upgrading immediately isn't possible, consider the following short-term mitigations:
* Sanitize the 'guestlanguage' cookie parameter to ensure it only contains expected values.
* Restrict file access permissions to limit the impact of the LFI vulnerability.
* If PHP execution is allowed within the included files, carefully restrict the files that can be included to minimize the risk of remote code execution.
Relevant resources:
* SecurityFocus BID: http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/59643
* Xforce Exchange: https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/84034
* Openwall mailing list: http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2013/05/05/1
4. Executive Summary
YaBB forum software, versions through 2.5.2, is vulnerable to a Local File Include (LFI) vulnerability. This allows an attacker to potentially read sensitive files from the server, which could lead to information disclosure and potentially remote code execution. The risk is moderate, but the impact on confidentiality could be significant. We recommend upgrading to the latest version of YaBB as soon as possible. If an immediate upgrade isn't feasible, short-term mitigations include sanitizing the 'guestlanguage' cookie and restricting file access permissions. Addressing this vulnerability is important to protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of our YaBB-based forums. The vulnerability has been known since 2013, so patching should be prioritized.