CVE-2004-0266 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the "public message" capability (public_message) for Php-Nuke 6.x to 7.1.0 allows remote attackers obtain the administrator password via the c_mid parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0266 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Php-Nuke content management system affecting versions 6.x through 7.1.0. This vulnerability specifically targets the public message functionality, which serves as a communication channel for users to interact with the system. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the c_mid parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied data within the public message processing mechanism, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the database layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection pattern where the c_mid parameter becomes the attack vector for database manipulation. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload and submits it through the public message interface, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This allows the attacker to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and potentially extract sensitive information from the database. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrator password storage, making it particularly dangerous as it could lead to complete system compromise. The flaw aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a direct result of insufficient input validation and improper query construction in database interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable full administrative control over the affected Php-Nuke installation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify content, delete database records, or even establish persistent backdoors within the system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the server, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on older Php-Nuke versions, as it effectively undermines the security model of the entire system. The attack surface is widened by the fact that the public message functionality is typically designed to be accessible to all users, providing attackers with multiple opportunities for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0266 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Php-Nuke installations to the latest available versions that address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against SQL injection attacks. Security hardening practices including disabling unnecessary database access permissions, implementing proper authentication controls, and regular security audits should be enforced. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring and logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for preventing SQL injection vulnerabilities. This case highlights the critical need for regular security assessments and timely patch management across all web applications, particularly legacy systems that may contain known vulnerabilities.