CVE-2020-25118 : Security Advisory and Response

The Admin CP in vBulletin 5.6.3 allows XSS via a Style Options Settings Title to Styles Manager.

Understanding CVE-2020-25118

This CVE identifies a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in vBulletin version 5.6.3.

What is CVE-2020-25118?

The vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of an admin user's session on the vBulletin platform, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2020-25118

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access, data theft, defacement of the website, and other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-25118

The following are technical details of the CVE:

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability occurs in the Admin Control Panel (CP) of vBulletin 5.6.3 when processing Style Options Settings Title to Styles Manager.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: vBulletin
Version: 5.6.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the Style Options Settings Title field, which are then executed when accessed by an admin user.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your system from CVE-2020-25118 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update vBulletin to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Implement input validation to sanitize user inputs and prevent script injection.
Monitor and restrict admin access to critical areas of the platform.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review the security configurations of your vBulletin installation.
Educate administrators on best practices for secure coding and configuration management.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by vBulletin and apply them promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.