Executive brief
NodeBB is a popular Node.js-based forum and community platform. A path traversal vulnerability combined with unsafe object destructuring in the user export feature allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript files on the server without authentication. An attacker can leverage this to gain complete control of the forum, access sensitive data, or launch further attacks against connected systems.
Technical details
The vulnerability is a path traversal flaw (CWE-22) in NodeBB's user export code path, amplified by unsafe use of object destructuring assignment syntax. An attacker can craft a malicious payload that exploits this combination to bypass directory restrictions and invoke arbitrary JavaScript file execution on the local disk. The attack requires no authentication, no special privileges, and no user interaction—it can be triggered remotely over the network. An exploit results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the NodeBB application process, potentially compromising the entire forum and underlying server. The vulnerability affects versions 2.5.0 through 2.8.6; patched version 2.8.7 is available, and site maintainers can apply the specific commit ec58700 as a workaround.
Affected products
- NodeBB NodeBB 2.5.0 through 2.8.6
Timeline
- 2023-07-24: disclosed: Security advisory published by NodeBB
- 2023-07-25: patched: Patch released in version 2.8.7