CVE-2004-1937 in Nuked-Klan
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Nuked-KlaN 1.4b and 1.5b allow remote attackers to read or include arbitrary files via .. sequences in (1) the user_langue parameter to index.php or (2) the langue parameter to update.php, or modify arbitrary GLOBAL variables by causing globals.php to be loaded before conf.inc.php via (3) .. sequences in the file parameter with the page parameter set to globals, or (4) ../globals.php in the user_langue parameter, as demonstrated by modifying $nuked[prefix] in the Suggest module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1937 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Nuked-KlaN versions 1.4b and 1.5b, which falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms through carefully crafted directory traversal sequences using the dot-dot-slash notation. The flaw exists in the web application's parameter handling logic where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file path construction without proper sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this weakness to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem, potentially leading to information disclosure, remote code execution, or complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through multiple attack vectors within the Nuked-KlaN application's core functionality. The primary exploitation methods involve manipulating the user_langue parameter in index.php and the langue parameter in update.php, where directory traversal sequences can be injected to access files outside the intended directory structure. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to the globals.php file loading mechanism, where attackers can manipulate the file parameter with page parameter set to globals, or directly include ../globals.php through the user_langue parameter. This particular vector allows attackers to modify arbitrary global variables, specifically targeting the $nuked[prefix] variable in the Suggest module, which demonstrates how the vulnerability can be leveraged to manipulate application configuration and potentially execute malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1937 is severe and multifaceted, representing a significant threat to web application security and system integrity. Remote attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to read sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or application source code, potentially leading to privilege escalation and full system compromise. The ability to modify global variables through the globals.php inclusion mechanism creates opportunities for attackers to alter application behavior, inject malicious code, or establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious file execution and T1083 for file and directory discovery. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation can lead to complete application takeover and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of Nuked-KlaN indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's input validation and file access control mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1937 must address the root cause of improper input validation and implement robust security controls to prevent directory traversal attacks. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters that influence file inclusion or path resolution. Applications should employ absolute path validation, reject any input containing directory traversal sequences, and implement proper access controls for file operations. The use of a whitelist approach for acceptable language or configuration parameters is essential, along with implementing proper file access controls that prevent access to sensitive system files. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices that include input normalization, proper parameter validation, and the implementation of secure file handling mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with security standards such as OWASP Top 10 A03:2021 - Injection and NIST SP 800-53 CM-7 for configuration management, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls to prevent such exploitation vectors.