CVE-2011-10018
Analyzed
9.8
HP
Multiple Products
myBB version 1.6.4 was distributed with an unauthorized backdoor embedded in the source code. The backdoor allowed remote attackers to execute arbitra...
Description
myBB version 1.6.4 was distributed with an unauthorized backdoor embedded in the source code. The backdoor allowed remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by injecting payloads into a specially...
AI Analyst Comment
Remediation
Update myBB version Multiple Products to the latest version. Check vendor security advisory for specific patch details. Monitor for exploitation attempts and review access logs.
Executive Summary:
A critical backdoor vulnerability has been identified in a specific distributed version of MyBB forum software. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially leading to a complete system compromise, data theft, and further network intrusion. Due to the ease of exploitation and the severity of the impact, immediate remediation is required.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-ID: CVE-2011-10018
Affected Software: myBB version Multiple Products
Affected Versions: 1.6.4 (Specifically the package distributed with the backdoor)
Vulnerability: The official distribution package for MyBB version 1.6.4 was compromised and released with a malicious backdoor embedded directly within its source code. This backdoor provides a hidden mechanism for remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server hosting the software. Exploitation involves an attacker sending a specially crafted request containing a malicious payload, which is then processed and executed by the backdoored code, granting the attacker full control over the application and potentially the underlying server.
Business Impact
This is a critical severity vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.8. Successful exploitation would have a severe and direct impact on the business. An attacker could achieve complete system compromise, leading to the theft of sensitive data, including user credentials, personal information, and intellectual property. Further risks include website defacement, service disruption, and the use of the compromised server as a pivot point to launch attacks against other internal systems or to participate in botnets. The resulting reputational damage, financial loss, and potential regulatory fines could be substantial.
Remediation Plan
Immediate Action: Immediately update the affected MyBB installation to the latest secure version. It is critical to obtain the software from the official MyBB website to ensure a clean, untampered package. Do not patch the existing files; instead, perform a full replacement of the source code with a verified, clean version. After updating, thoroughly review server access logs and application logs for any signs of compromise or exploitation attempts.
Proactive Monitoring: Implement continuous monitoring of web server logs for unusual or suspicious requests, particularly POST requests with encoded payloads or requests targeting non-standard files. Utilize a file integrity monitoring (FIM) solution to alert on any unauthorized changes to core application files. Monitor for unexpected outbound network connections and anomalous CPU or memory usage, which could indicate malicious code execution.
Compensating Controls: If immediate patching is not feasible, implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules specifically designed to detect and block common code injection and remote command execution patterns. Restrict file permissions on the web server to prevent the web process from writing to or modifying core application directories. Consider disabling potentially dangerous PHP functions (e.g.,
eval(),system(),shell_exec()) in thephp.iniconfiguration if they are not essential for the application's functionality.Exploitation Status
Public Exploit Available: true
Analyst Notes: As of Aug 13, 2025, the method to trigger this backdoor is publicly known and trivial to execute. Automated scanners are likely actively searching the internet for vulnerable instances of MyBB 1.6.4. Any publicly accessible system running the compromised version should be considered at immediate risk of exploitation. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is crucial to assume the system has been compromised if it was running the affected version and proceed with a full incident response investigation.
Analyst Recommendation
This vulnerability represents a direct and critical threat to the organization. Due to the 9.8 CVSS score and the presence of a pre-built backdoor, immediate action is paramount. The primary recommendation is to take the affected application offline immediately and replace the compromised source code with a verified, clean version from the official vendor. Following the update, a thorough security audit must be conducted to identify and remediate any signs of an existing compromise. Although not currently listed on the CISA KEV, the severity warrants treating this with the highest priority.