CVE-2005-0996 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the Downloads module for PHP-Nuke 7.6 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the email or url parameters in the Add function, (2) the min parameter in the viewsdownload function, or (3) the min parameter in the search function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0996 represents a critical security flaw within the Downloads module of PHP-Nuke version 7.6, exposing the system to multiple SQL injection attack vectors that can be exploited by remote adversaries. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the module's core functions, specifically affecting three distinct parameter handling scenarios that collectively create pathways for malicious code execution. The flaw operates by allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through carefully crafted input parameters that are then processed without proper sanitization, potentially enabling unauthorized database access and manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through three primary attack vectors that exploit different functions within the Downloads module. The first vector targets the Add function where email or url parameters are processed without adequate validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can manipulate the database structure or extract sensitive information. The second vector affects the viewsdownload function where the min parameter becomes a conduit for SQL injection attacks, while the third vector targets the search function with identical parameter handling issues. These vulnerabilities collectively demonstrate poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in the CWE-89 category for SQL injection weaknesses. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects core module functionality that handles user submissions and searches, making it accessible to any remote user with basic knowledge of SQL injection techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0996 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise potential through the exploitation of these SQL injection vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage these flaws to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server, potentially gaining administrative privileges, extracting confidential user data, modifying or deleting database records, and even establishing persistent backdoors within the system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the server or local network privileges, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in complete database compromise, user credential theft, and unauthorized content manipulation. Organizations running PHP-Nuke 7.6 systems are particularly vulnerable as the attack surface includes not just the database but also the entire web application framework that depends on secure data handling.
The remediation approach for CVE-2005-0996 requires immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameter sanitization across all affected functions within the Downloads module. Security practitioners should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly escaped or validated before database processing occurs. The solution must address the specific parameter handling issues identified in the Add function, viewsdownload function, and search function, with particular attention to the email, url, and min parameters. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input filtering mechanisms that reject or sanitize potentially malicious input patterns, aligning with the defensive programming practices recommended in the ATT&CK framework for preventing code injection attacks. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other modules, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security gaps within the application architecture. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of implementing robust input validation mechanisms across all application components to prevent exploitation of similar SQL injection vulnerabilities.