CVE-2004-0738 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the Search module in Php-Nuke allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL via the (1) min or (2) categ parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0738 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Search module of Php-Nuke, a widely deployed content management system and web application framework. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of user input parameters within the search functionality, creating pathways for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability impacts versions of Php-Nuke that were prevalent during the early 2000s, when web applications were rapidly evolving but security practices were still maturing. The affected parameters min and categ serve as entry points where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization, making them prime targets for exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when attackers submit malicious input through the min or categ parameters in search queries, allowing them to inject arbitrary SQL code that executes within the database context. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper query construction practices that were common in legacy web applications of that era. The vulnerability maps to CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and demonstrates how insufficient data sanitization can lead to complete database compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The lack of proper input filtering mechanisms means that any user interaction with the search functionality can potentially be weaponized for database manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0738 extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive application data and potentially compromise the entire web application infrastructure. Organizations running vulnerable Php-Nuke installations face risks of data breaches, unauthorized modifications to content, and potential system compromise that could affect thousands of users depending on the scale of the deployment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network privileges to execute malicious code. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploitation of remote services through injection attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that search functionality is typically accessible to all users, making the vulnerability easy to exploit and potentially affecting a large user base.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent malicious SQL code from executing within database contexts. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and stored procedures to separate SQL logic from user data. The fix involves modifying the Search module code to properly escape or parameterize all user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries, which directly addresses the root cause identified in CWE-89. Security patches should be applied immediately to all affected systems, and organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of flaw was prevalent in web applications of that era and continues to appear in legacy systems. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing database-level attacks.