CVE-2004-2000 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Downloads module in Php-Nuke 6.x through 7.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL via the (1) orderby or (2) sid parameters to modules.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2000 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Downloads module of Php-Nuke versions 6.x through 7.2. This vulnerability resides in the web application's handling of user-supplied input parameters, specifically targeting the orderby and sid parameters within the modules.php script. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter malicious SQL commands embedded within these parameters. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially designed SQL payloads that get directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization, potentially allowing full database compromise.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack vector leverages the web application's insecure data handling practices where user input flows directly into database query construction. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database server compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, extract sensitive information, modify or delete data, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected system. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Php-Nuke installations, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts multiple versions within the 6.x to 7.2 release cycle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing data integrity breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential system compromise. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, which may include user credentials, configuration data, or business-critical information. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges, execute system commands, or establish persistent access through database-level backdoors. Given that this affects the Downloads module, attackers could manipulate download records, potentially leading to unauthorized file access or distribution of malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2000 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Php-Nuke installations to versions that properly sanitize input parameters. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous sanitization before being processed. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, limiting database user permissions to only those required for normal operation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database access patterns and SQL command execution attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, with adherence to secure coding practices that prevent injection flaws through proper input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following the ATT&CK framework's recommendations for preventing and detecting SQL injection attacks through comprehensive security controls.