CVE-2012-6557: Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the AboutMe plugin 1.1.1 for Vanilla Forums allow remot

Routine

MEDIUM 4.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2012-6557 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.3) affecting aboutme-plugin. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the AboutMe plugin 1.1.1 for Vanilla Forums allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) AboutMe/RealName, (2) AboutMe/Name, (3) AboutMe/Quote, (4) AboutMe/Loc, (5) AboutMe/Emp, (6) AboutMe/JobTit, (7) AboutMe/HS, (8) AboutMe/Col, (9) AboutMe/Bio, (10) AboutMe/Inter, (11) AboutMe/Mus, (12) AboutMe/Gam, (13) AboutMe/Mov, (14) AboutMe/FTV, or (15) AboutMe/Bks parame

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.3 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	1.6% (top 24%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-79
Published	2013-05-23
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: zodiacdm

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2013-05-23 15:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:48 UTCUpdated Record last modified

zodiacdm aboutme-plugin DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy aboutme-plugin || rpm -q aboutme-plugin || aboutme-plugin --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.1.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison aboutme-plugin sudo apt install aboutme-plugin=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.1> sudo apt-mark hold aboutme-plugin

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

dnf --showduplicates list aboutme-plugin sudo dnf downgrade aboutme-plugin-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.1> sudo dnf versionlock add aboutme-plugin

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: Vanilla Forums About Me Plugin - Persistent Cross-Site Scripting

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-2012-6557?

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

Is CVE-2012-6557 being exploited?

CVE-2012-6557 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-2012-6557 affect?

CVE-2012-6557 affects aboutme-plugin. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.3). Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the AboutMe plugin 1.1.1 for Vanilla Forums allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) AboutMe/RealName, (2) AboutMe/Name, (3) AboutMe/Quote, (4) AboutMe/

How urgent is CVE-2012-6557?

Priority 39/100. Public exploit reference

References

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