CVE-2004-1530 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Event Calendar module 2.13 for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) eid or (2) cid parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2017
The CVE-2004-1530 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Event Calendar module version 2.13 of PHP-Nuke content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the way the application processes user input through two distinct parameter vectors identified as eid and cid. The flaw resides in the module's inability to properly sanitize or validate incoming data before incorporating it into sql database queries, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the module's direct incorporation of user-supplied parameters into sql query strings without adequate input validation or parameterization. When an attacker submits malicious input through either the eid or cid parameters, the application processes this data without proper sanitization, enabling the injection of additional sql commands that execute with the privileges of the web application's database user. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection, which is classified as a critical weakness in application security. The attack vector operates through the web interface where users interact with the event calendar functionality, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring local system access or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, modification of calendar events, user account manipulation, and potential privilege escalation within the database environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the php-nuke system, including user credentials, event details, and potentially other system-related data. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1530 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The most effective immediate solution involves updating the Event Calendar module to a patched version that properly sanitizes user input before database operations. Organizations should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input is treated as data rather than executable code. Additionally, input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level filtering, web application firewalls, and database-level access controls. The remediation process should also include regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the php-nuke system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in applications to gain unauthorized access to systems and data, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing robust input validation mechanisms as defensive measures.