CVE-2008-6308: Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Private Messaging System (PMS) 1.2.3 and earlier for PunBB all

Q: How do I fix CVE-2008-6308?

private messaging system: upgrade to newer than 1.2.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2008-6308 being exploited?

CVE-2008-6308 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2008-6308 affect?

CVE-2008-6308 affects private messaging system. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.1). Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Private Messaging System (PMS) 1.2.3 and earlier for PunBB allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the pun_user[language] parameter to (1) functions

Q: How urgent is CVE-2008-6308?

Priority 43/100. Public exploit reference

This month

MEDIUM 5.1UPGRADE

CVE-2008-6308 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.1) affecting private messaging system. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Private Messaging System (PMS) 1.2.3 and earlier for PunBB allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the pun_user[language] parameter to (1) functions_navlinks.php, (2) header_new_messages.php, (3) profile_send.php, and (4) viewtopic_PM-link.php in include/pms/.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.1 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	2.0% (top 19%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2009-02-27
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

2009-02-27 01:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

punbb private messaging system UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.2.3 · 1.2.0 · 1.2.1 · 1.2.2

Fixed in: newer than 1.2.3

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy private-messaging-system || rpm -q private-messaging-system || private-messaging-system --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.2.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade private-messaging-system

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade private-messaging-system

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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 (Private Messaging System 1.2.x) - Multiple Local File Inclusions

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-2008-6308?

private messaging system: upgrade to newer than 1.2.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2008-6308 being exploited?

CVE-2008-6308 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-2008-6308 affect?

CVE-2008-6308 affects private messaging system. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.1). Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Private Messaging System (PMS) 1.2.3 and earlier for PunBB allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the pun_user[language] parameter to (1) functions

How urgent is CVE-2008-6308?

Priority 43/100. Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

References

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