CVE-2005-0433 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
Php-Nuke 7.5 allows remote attackers to determine the full path of the web server via invalid or missing arguments to (1) db.php, (2) mainfile.php, (3) Downloads/index.php, or (4) Web_Links/index.php, which lists the path in a PHP error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2018
This vulnerability in Php-Nuke 7.5 represents a classic path disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers. The issue occurs when the application fails to properly validate input parameters sent to critical script files including db.php, mainfile.php, Downloads/index.php, and Web_Links/index.php. When invalid or missing arguments are provided to these scripts, PHP generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the full server path where the application is installed. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-209, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a fundamental security weakness in input validation and error handling mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server filesystem structure, which can serve as a critical first step in further exploitation attempts.
The technical execution of this attack requires minimal effort from threat actors who simply need to send malformed requests to the vulnerable endpoints. When these requests are processed without proper argument validation, the PHP runtime generates error messages containing the absolute path to the web server root directory where Php-Nuke is installed. These error messages typically appear in the browser output or server logs and contain information such as the full directory path to the script file, the line number where the error occurred, and sometimes additional context about the server environment. This information can be used by attackers to understand the server configuration, plan more sophisticated attacks, and potentially identify other vulnerabilities within the system. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in error handling and input sanitization, which are core principles of secure coding standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly reduces the attack surface for more serious exploits. Attackers who obtain the server path can use this information to craft targeted attacks against specific server configurations, identify potential file inclusion vulnerabilities, or plan directory traversal attacks. The exposure of system paths can also aid in bypassing certain security mechanisms and understanding the overall architecture of the web application. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as it provides reconnaissance information that can lead to more advanced attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same server, as it can reveal the presence of other applications and their potential vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation, error handling, and security configuration practices. Organizations should immediately patch the affected Php-Nuke version to a secure release that properly validates all input parameters and suppresses detailed error messages in production environments. The recommended approach involves configuring PHP to disable error display in production mode and implementing custom error handlers that do not reveal sensitive system information. Additionally, web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious requests that attempt to trigger these error conditions. Security hardening measures include setting appropriate file permissions, implementing proper logging and monitoring, and ensuring that error messages are generic and do not contain system-specific information. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and demonstrates why proper error handling and input validation should be integral components of any security development lifecycle.