CVE-2005-0615 in PostNuke
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in (1) index.php, (2) modules.php, or (3) admin.php in PostNuke 0.760-RC2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL code via the catid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0615 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting PostNuke version 0.760-RC2, specifically targeting three key script files including index.php, modules.php, and admin.php. This vulnerability resides in the handling of the catid parameter which is processed without proper input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the application's database layer. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper parameter validation and input sanitization, which are fundamental security controls that should prevent user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into SQL query construction. When the catid parameter is passed through any of the affected scripts, the application directly concatenates this input into database queries without appropriate sanitization measures. This creates a path for attackers to manipulate the SQL execution flow by injecting malicious SQL syntax that can alter the intended query behavior, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple entry points within the application, increasing the attack surface and providing multiple potential vectors for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the PostNuke database. Attackers could potentially extract user credentials, personal information, or administrative data that would otherwise be protected by proper access controls. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to application integrity and availability, as malicious SQL injection could be used to corrupt database structures or execute destructive operations. This type of vulnerability directly violates several security principles including input validation, least privilege, and defense in depth, as the application fails to implement proper security controls at the input processing layer.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as it allows unauthorized access to database resources. The attack pattern follows typical SQL injection methodologies categorized under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer attacks, where adversaries exploit input validation weaknesses to gain unauthorized database access. Organizations running affected PostNuke installations face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations if sensitive information is exposed through this vulnerability. The remediation approach must include immediate patching of the application, implementation of proper input validation mechanisms, and deployment of web application firewalls to mitigate potential exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments for web applications. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly simple parameter handling can create catastrophic security consequences, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing including dynamic and static analysis. Organizations should implement proper input validation frameworks, utilize parameterized queries, and establish robust database access controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper security monitoring to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. This type of vulnerability serves as a reminder that even widely-used content management systems can contain critical flaws that require immediate attention and remediation to maintain system integrity and data protection.