CVE-2005-0901 in NukeBookmarks
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in NukeBookmarks 0.6 for PHP-Nuke allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) catname, (2) markname, (3) comment, or (4) category parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0901 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting NukeBookmarks 0.6, a bookmark management module for the PHP-Nuke content management system. This vulnerability resides in the input validation mechanisms of the application, specifically within the handling of user-supplied data through four distinct parameters: catname, markname, comment, and category. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary web script or HTML code into the application's response, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent XSS issue means that the injected code can be executed by other users who view the affected content, creating a chain reaction of potential compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, making it a well-documented and severe security concern that has been consistently referenced in security advisories and vulnerability databases.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the NukeBookmarks module fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before rendering it within web pages. When an attacker submits malicious content through any of the four vulnerable parameters, the application processes this input without adequate validation or encoding, allowing the injected script to execute in the context of the victim's browser. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as this vulnerability can be leveraged to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious sites. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web forms, making it accessible to attackers with basic technical skills. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where input sanitization is not consistently applied across all user-facing parameters, creating multiple attack surfaces for potential exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0901 extends far beyond immediate script execution capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the trust and security model of the PHP-Nuke platform. When users browse bookmarked content or interact with the NukeBookmarks module, they unknowingly execute malicious payloads that can persist in the application's database. This persistence means that even after the initial attack, the malicious code continues to affect users who access the compromised content, creating a long-term security risk. The vulnerability's presence in a widely deployed CMS module increases the potential attack surface significantly, as organizations using PHP-Nuke are exposed to this risk. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.007 technique for scripting, and the T1531 technique for credential access through web application vulnerabilities. The attack can be automated through various tools and techniques, making it a particularly dangerous threat to organizations that do not maintain current security patches or input validation controls.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including comprehensive input validation and output encoding across all user-supplied parameters. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper HTML escaping for all dynamic content rendered in web pages, ensuring that any user input is properly encoded before being displayed. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script execution. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should include updating to the latest version of NukeBookmarks or implementing custom input validation routines that specifically target the four vulnerable parameters. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their PHP-Nuke installations to identify any other modules or components that may be susceptible to similar input validation flaws. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be implemented to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other parts of the web application stack, as this vulnerability exemplifies the importance of consistent security practices throughout the entire application development lifecycle.