CVE-2020-5501: phpBB Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Summary
CVE-2020-5501: phpBB Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). Affects phpbb/phpbb versions >= 3.2.8, < 3.2.9. Fixed in 3.2.9. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- phpbb · Bitnami
The same CVE-2020-5501 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
phpBB is a popular open-source forum software written in PHP. It provides a platform for users to create and manage online communities. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5501 affects phpBB version 3.2.8. This vulnerability allows an attacker to perform a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attack, enabling them to modify a group avatar without proper authorization.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in phpBB version 3.2.8 arises from insufficient validation of user requests. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can trick a user into performing unintended actions, such as modifying a group avatar. This can lead to unauthorized changes to the appearance of a group and potentially disrupt the community dynamics. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 4.3, indicating a moderate severity level.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.2.9
This is the first release that contains the fix.
composer require phpbb/phpbb:3.2.9Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can disable the ability for group members to modify avatars until the software is updated. This can be achieved by modifying the relevant permissions settings within the phpBB administration panel. Here is an example of how to disable avatar modification for group members:
- Log in to the phpBB administration panel.
- Navigate to the 'Permissions' section.
- Select the relevant group.
- Disable the 'Can change avatar' permission for the group members.
- Save the changes.
Conclusion
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5501 in phpBB version 3.2.8 allows an attacker to perform a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attack, enabling them to modify a group avatar without proper authorization. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to upgrade phpBB to version 3.2.9 or later. In the meantime, users can disable the ability for group members to modify avatars as a temporary workaround. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for phpbb/phpbb →
FAQ
phpBB is an open-source forum software written in PHP. It allows users to create and manage online communities.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is an attack that tricks a user into performing unintended actions on a web application in which they are authenticated. In the case of this vulnerability, it allows an attacker to modify a group avatar without proper authorization.
This vulnerability allows an attacker to modify a group avatar without proper authorization. This can lead to unauthorized changes to the appearance of a group and potentially disrupt the community dynamics.
The severity level of this vulnerability is moderate, with a CVSS score of 4.3.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade phpBB to version 3.2.9 or later. This update includes improved request validation and access control mechanisms.
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