CVE-2008-1484: The password reset feature in PunBB 1.2.16 and earlier uses predictable random numbers based on the system tim

This month

LOW 3.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-1484 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.5) affecting punbb. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The password reset feature in PunBB 1.2.16 and earlier uses predictable random numbers based on the system time, which allows remote authenticated users to determine the new password via a brute force attack on a seed that is based on the approximate creation time of the targeted account. NOTE: this issue might be related to CVE-2006-5737.

Why this priority

EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.5 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	4.5% (top 8%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-264
Published	2008-03-24
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: punbb

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-03-24 23:44 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:51 UTCUpdated Record last modified

punbb punbb DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0 · 1.0.1 · 1.0_alpha · 1.0_beta1 · 1.0_beta2 · 1.0_beta3 · 1.0_rc1 · 1.0_rc2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy punbb || rpm -q punbb || punbb --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison punbb sudo apt install punbb=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold punbb

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list punbb sudo dnf downgrade punbb-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add punbb

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: PunBB 1.2.16 - Blind Password Recovery

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2008-1484?

punbb: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2008-1484 being exploited?

CVE-2008-1484 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2008-1484 affect?

CVE-2008-1484 affects punbb. Severity is low (CVSS 3.5). The password reset feature in PunBB 1.2.16 and earlier uses predictable random numbers based on the system time, which allows remote authenticated users to determine the new password via a brute force attack on a seed that is based on the a

How urgent is CVE-2008-1484?

Priority 40/100. EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2021-28968 MEDIUM 5.4 UPGRADE An issue was discovered in PunBB before 1.4.6
CVE-2011-3371 MEDIUM 4.3 UPGRADE Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in include/functions.php in PunBB before 1.3.6 allow remot
CVE-2010-0455 MEDIUM 4.3 DOWNGRADE Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in forum/viewtopic.php in PunBB 1.3 allows remote attackers to inject
CVE-2009-4894 MEDIUM 4.3 UPGRADE Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in profile.php in PunBB before 1.3.4 allow remote attacker
CVE-2008-7241 MEDIUM 6.8 UPGRADE Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in PunBB before 1.2.17 allows remote attackers to hijack the a

References

← Back to latest CVEs