CVE-2005-0902 in NukeBookmarks
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in marks.php in NukeBookmarks 0.6 for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the category parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0902 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the NukeBookmarks 0.6 component of PHP-Nuke systems. This security weakness specifically targets the marks.php script where user input is improperly handled, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the category parameter. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure input handling and directly violates established security principles for database interaction within web applications.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic SQL injection attack vector where the category parameter in marks.php fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query construction. When an attacker submits malicious SQL code through this parameter, the application processes the input without adequate filtering mechanisms, allowing the injected commands to execute within the database context. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's data validation and query preparation processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, create new user accounts with administrative privileges, or even completely compromise the database server. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this vulnerability affects PHP-Nuke systems which were widely deployed in web environments, making numerous applications susceptible to this type of database manipulation. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it exploits web application interfaces to gain unauthorized database access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to ensure that user-supplied data cannot alter the intended structure of SQL commands. This includes applying prepared statements or stored procedures that separate SQL code from data, thereby preventing the injection of malicious SQL fragments. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database permissions can limit the damage that can be achieved even if exploitation occurs. Organizations should also consider input sanitization techniques, including whitelisting acceptable characters and lengths for the category parameter, while maintaining comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should follow security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices, particularly focusing on the prevention of injection vulnerabilities in web applications.