How severe is CVE-2008-6971?

CVE-2008-6971 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2008-6971 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-6971?

CVE-2008-6971 primarily affects Simplemachines Smf. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-6971?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2008-6971 published?

CVE-2008-6971 was published on 2009-08-13 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-6971

CVE-2008-6971 is a high-severity vulnerability in Simplemachines Smf with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-255.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 7% (93rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-255
Affected product: Simplemachines Smf
Published: 2009-08-13
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The password reset functionality in Simple Machines Forum (SMF) 1.0.x before 1.0.14, 1.1.x before 1.1.6, and 2.0 before 2.0 beta 4 includes clues about the random number generator state within a hidden form field and generates predictable validation codes, which allows remote attackers to modify passwords of other users and gain privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-6971?: The password reset functionality in Simple Machines Forum (SMF) 1.0.x before 1.0.14, 1.1.x before 1.1.6, and 2.0 before 2.0 beta 4 includes clues about the random number generator state within a hidden form field and generates predictable validation codes, which allows remote attackers to modify passwords of other users and gain privileges.
How severe is CVE-2008-6971?: CVE-2008-6971 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2008-6971 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-6971?: CVE-2008-6971 primarily affects Simplemachines Smf. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-6971?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2008-6971 published?: CVE-2008-6971 was published on 2009-08-13 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (7)

cpe:2.3:a:simplemachines:smf:1.0.12:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:simplemachines:smf:1.0.13:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:simplemachines:smf:1.1.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:simplemachines:smf:1.1.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:simplemachines:smf:2.0:rc1.2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:simplemachines:smf:2.0-beta2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:simplemachines:smf:2.0-beta3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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