CVE-2005-0997 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the Web_Links module for PHP-Nuke 7.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the email or url parameters in the Add function, (2) the url parameter in the modifylinkrequestS function, (3) the orderby or min parameters in the viewlink function, (4) the orderby, min, or show parameters in the search function, or (5) the ratenum parameter in the MostPopular function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0997 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Web_Links module of PHP-Nuke version 7.6, constituting a severe security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the module's various functions, creating multiple attack vectors that collectively compromise the entire application's database integrity. The affected parameters span across different module functions including Add, modifylinkrequestS, viewlink, search, and MostPopular, indicating a systemic design flaw rather than isolated code issues.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper handling of user-supplied input data that flows directly into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. When attackers manipulate the email or url parameters in the Add function, or the url parameter in modifylinkrequestS, they can inject malicious SQL code that executes within the database context. The viewlink function presents additional attack surfaces through orderby or min parameters, while the search function exposes multiple entry points via orderby, min, or show parameters, and the MostPopular function targets the ratenum parameter. These injection points demonstrate a pattern of insecure coding practices where dynamic SQL queries are constructed using user input without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, unauthorized data modification, privilege escalation, and potential system takeover. Attackers can leverage these injection points to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access details. The vulnerability's widespread nature across multiple functions suggests that a single successful attack vector can provide attackers with comprehensive access to the application's backend database, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on PHP-Nuke for content management. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software security, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0997 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the affected module functions. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization routines that validate and filter all user-supplied data before processing, particularly focusing on SQL metacharacters and control sequences. The recommended approach involves transitioning from dynamic SQL query construction to prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL logic from data input. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and database permissions can limit the damage scope even if exploitation occurs. Regular security auditing of web applications, input validation testing, and maintaining up-to-date security patches form essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation as fundamental security measures that should be integrated throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent such widespread injection vulnerabilities.