CVE-2015-7808
HighExploitedPublic exploitThe vB_Api_Hook::decodeArguments method in vBulletin 5 Connect 5.1.2 through 5.1.9 allows remote attackers to conduct PHP object injection attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code via a crafted serialized object in the arguments parameter to ajax/api/hook/decodeArguments.
Published Nov 24, 2015 · Updated May 6, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2015-7808 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Vbulletin.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Apr 12, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 81% 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)
81%
Higher than 99.6% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2015-7808 brief as a PDF
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Description
The vB_Api_Hook::decodeArguments method in vBulletin 5 Connect 5.1.2 through 5.1.9 allows remote attackers to conduct PHP object injection attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code via a crafted serialized object in the arguments parameter to ajax/api/hook/decodeArguments.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 12, 2021 | 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
21 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| VbulletinVbulletin | 5.0.0, 5.0.1, 5.0.2, 5.0.3, 5.0.4, 5.0.5, 5.1.0, 5.1.0-rc1 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 24, 2015
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 12, 2021
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
References
- exploithttp://blog.checkpoint.com/2015/11/05/check-point-discovers-critical-vbulletin-0-day/
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/134331/vBulletin-5.1.2-Unserialize-Code-Execution.html
- exploithttp://pastie.org/pastes/10527766/text?key=wq1hgkcj4afb9ipqzllsq
- exploithttps://blog.sucuri.net/2015/11/vbulletin-exploits-in-the-wild.html
- exploitMSF vbulletin_unserialize.rb
FAQ
Common Questions.
The vB_Api_Hook::decodeArguments method in vBulletin 5 Connect 5.1.2 through 5.1.9 allows remote attackers to conduct PHP object injection attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code via a crafted serialized object in the arguments parameter to ajax/api/hook/decodeArguments.
Affected: Vbulletin versions 5.0.0, 5.0.1, 5.0.2, 5.0.3, 5.0.4, 5.0.5, 5.1.0, 5.1.0-rc1. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Apr 12, 2021.
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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