CVE-2004-1315
HighExploitedPublic exploitviewtopic.php in phpBB 2.x before 2.0.11 improperly URL decodes the highlight parameter when extracting words and phrases to highlight, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by double-encoding the highlight value so that special characters are inserted into…
Published Nov 12, 2004 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2004-1315 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Phpbb (Phpbb Group).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jun 20, 2017. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 73% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v2
7.5
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
73%
Higher than 99.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
viewtopic.php in phpBB 2.x before 2.0.11 improperly URL decodes the highlight parameter when extracting words and phrases to highlight, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by double-encoding the highlight value so that special characters are inserted into the result, which is then processed by PHP exec, as exploited by the Santy.A worm.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Jun 20, 2017 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
29 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| PhpbbPhpbb Group | 1.0.0, 1.0.1, 1.2.0, 1.2.1, 1.4.0, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.4 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 12, 2004
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jun 20, 2017
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- advisoryhttp://www.phpbb.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=240513
- patch13239
- patchVU#497400
- patchTA04-356A
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
viewtopic.php in phpBB 2.x before 2.0.11 improperly URL decodes the highlight parameter when extracting words and phrases to highlight, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by double-encoding the highlight value so that special characters are inserted into the result, which is then processed by…
Affected: Phpbb (Phpbb Group) versions 1.0.0, 1.0.1, 1.2.0, 1.2.1, 1.4.0, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.4. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jun 20, 2017.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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