SpamBuster v1.0.0 (Stable): Identify, log and remove spam posts on your forum

This is the v3.5 version of vbSpamBuster that I wrote for vBulletin v3.0.x This version adds some new features.

What does it do?
It spots posts that could potentially be spam then (depending on option settings) creates a thread alerting site admin/moderators about the post and/or hides the post from view.

How does it identify the spam?
All off the posts for users with a post count of less than 10 (configurable) have their posts checked against a number of rules. Each rule has a different "score". If the total score for the post exceeds a specified limit then the post is deemed to be spam.

Can I add my own rules?
The installer file has a default rule set with it, you may wish to customise the rules in the options section of the AdminCP. The rules system is fairly simple to add to, in simple terms each rule is a perl regular expression and a score.

How do I install it?
Import the product via the Product Manager in the AdminCP. The options group and plugins will be added to your system. Now would be a good time to click the install link on here to record the fact that you've installed it.

How do I configure it?
Head to the "SpamBuster" option group in the "vBulletin Options" section of your AdminCP. Fill in the relevant fields. Further documentation will follow but it should be obvious what each setting does for the moment.

How do I upgrade?
Just run a regular install. It's worth backing up your settings particluarly the rules before performing the upgrade. If you're upgrading from v0.3.2 to v1.0.0 you can just download the attached rules file and add it via the admincp as there have been no code changes.

How can I test it?
Try posting a new thread/post with some trigger values in it. The string ekmas.com should do the trick.

Help it's broken my forum!
Erm, that's not an intended feature. Disable all six of the plugins that are part of the product "SpamBuster" and post an error report to this thread. The forum will work fine.

Why doesn't it do x,y or z?
Because I've either not thought about it yet or I've not written it yet. Please drop a post into this thread with any (sensible!) suggestions.

Can I use it commercially?
You're free to use it for whatever purpose comercially/privately as long as you don't resell the code. It's released under the LGPL, see the link below for futher info. If you find this plugin useful and you'd like to make a donation please use the "donate" button below.




This software is licenced under the CC-GNU LGPL.


Changelog

• 15th June 2006 - v1.0.1 - Updated list of rules uploaded as a text file
• 6th April 2006 - v1.0.0 - Stable release: code remains the same but the rules file has changed.

[contactsonia]

Too Good. I have just installed it on my forums.
Good Job

[ScubaAddict]

Jimbo - thanks for the replies. I wasn't up to speed on forum moderation, and now I see that I only saw the thread because I was logged in as the Admin. --Thank you.

Again - great work! This will be flying off the shelves as soon as everyone else starts getting hit with the bots - like me

[UK Jimbo]

No worries. To be honest I'm surprised that more people haven't installed it. Perhaps the configuration part of it is a bit off-putting. It'd be good if people shared rules on that they've added to their config and found effective.

[COBRAws]

Hello UK Jimbo! This is a great hack, thanks for releasing to public.

[W1zzard]

suggestions:

- add a link into the spam report email which approves the post when clicked
- add some instruction text to the created post something like telling mods that it's invis now and they need to approve it to be visible...

[TheComputerGuy]

Thanks, hopefully this will stop some of the people that have been spamming my site. If I find more rules, I will share them.

[UK Jimbo]

Originally Posted by W1zzard

suggestions:

- add a link into the spam report email which approves the post when clicked
- add some instruction text to the created post something like telling mods that it's invis now and they need to approve it to be visible...

Only just seen these suggestions

The first one is a great plan - I'll look into that for a fugure release.

The second one is something you could do in the templates.

[87accordlxi]

Great hack. One suggestion/request though.

Could a rule be added that flags IP ranges that can be set in the admincp? So if a spammer (or any previously banned user) who posts from the same IP address keeps trying to post threads on the board under different usernames, I would be alerted to it? Blanket IP bans can affect innocent users, so I tend to avoid them. Being able to flag IP ranges with this hack would allow us to investigate every possible duplicate user on an individual basis.

[UK Jimbo]

Surre - I'm having to put development of this on hold for the moment but it's a good idea and will be incorporated into a future release.

[87accordlxi]

Originally Posted by UK Jimbo

Surre - I'm having to put development of this on hold for the moment but it's a good idea and will be incorporated into a future release.

Thanks!