CVE-2004-2296 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
The preview_review function in the Reviews module in PHP-Nuke 6.0 to 7.3, when running on Windows systems, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid date parameter, which generates an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2296 represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw within the PHP-Nuke content management system, specifically affecting versions 6.0 through 7.3 on Windows operating systems. This vulnerability resides in the preview_review function of the Reviews module, which is designed to handle review previews before publication. The flaw emerges when the system processes an invalid date parameter, causing it to generate an error message that inadvertently exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers. This represents a classic case of improper error handling that violates fundamental security principles and can provide adversaries with valuable reconnaissance data.
The technical execution of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation within the date parameter processing mechanism. When an attacker submits a malformed or invalid date value to the preview_review function, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before attempting to process it. This failure results in the generation of a detailed error message that may contain system paths, database connection details, or other sensitive operational information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs on Windows systems where error messages often contain more verbose information about the underlying system architecture, file paths, and potentially even internal system configurations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper error handling and information exposure, and demonstrates how seemingly benign functionality can become a security risk when error conditions are not properly managed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The exposed information might include database connection strings, file system paths, or even stack traces that reveal the internal architecture of the PHP-Nuke application. Attackers could use this information to plan targeted attacks against the system, potentially escalating privileges or exploiting other vulnerabilities that might exist within the same application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where PHP-Nuke is deployed without proper security hardening measures, as the error messages might reveal more information than intended. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which focuses on data manipulation and information gathering through application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the affected PHP-Nuke modules. System administrators should ensure that all user inputs, particularly date parameters, are properly validated before processing and that error messages do not expose system internals. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input sanitization, using generic error messages for end users, and logging detailed error information only in secure administrative interfaces. Organizations should also consider applying the latest security patches from PHP-Nuke developers, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure error handling practices in web applications, as outlined in various security frameworks and best practices for application security development.