vBulletin routestring Local File Inclusion - Vulnerability Database

vBulletin routestring Local File Inclusion

Description

vBulletin is a widely-used commercial forum platform built on PHP and MySQL. A local file inclusion (LFI) vulnerability exists in vBulletin installations running on Windows servers that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files from the server's filesystem.

The vulnerability is triggered through the routestring parameter in GET requests to /index.php. By manipulating this parameter, attackers can bypass path restrictions and include local files, potentially leading to remote code execution if combined with other techniques such as log file poisoning or inclusion of uploaded files containing malicious PHP code. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows-based installations due to differences in path handling.

Remediation

Apply the latest security patches from vBulletin Solutions immediately. If patches are not yet available, implement the following mitigation measures:

1. Input Validation: Implement strict whitelist validation for the routestring parameter to only accept predefined, safe route values.

2. Web Application Firewall: Deploy WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..\ ) or absolute file paths in the routestring parameter.

3. File Access Restrictions: Configure PHP settings to restrict file operations:

open_basedir = /path/to/vbulletin/webroot
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off

4. Monitor and Alert: Enable logging for all requests to index.php and set up alerts for suspicious patterns in the routestring parameter.

5. Temporary Workaround: If possible, consider temporarily disabling affected functionality or restricting access to the vBulletin installation until official patches are available.

Contact vBulletin Solutions support for the latest security updates and guidance specific to your version.