CVE-2005-1049 in PostNuke
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in PostNuke 0.760-RC3 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) module parameter to admin.php or (2) op parameter to user.php. NOTE: the vendor reports that certain issues could not be reproduced for 760 RC3, or for .750. However, the op/user.php issue exists when the pnAntiCracker setting is disabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1049 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting PostNuke version 0.760-RC3 and related releases. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web application's parameter handling processes, specifically targeting two distinct entry points that process user-supplied data without proper sanitization. The vulnerability manifests when attackers exploit the module parameter in admin.php and the op parameter in user.php, creating opportunities for malicious code injection that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The affected versions demonstrate a fundamental lack of proper output encoding and input filtering that leaves the application susceptible to persistent cross-site scripting attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before processing or rendering it within web responses. When the module parameter is manipulated in admin.php, or when the op parameter is exploited in user.php, the system directly incorporates user-supplied values into dynamic web content without appropriate HTML entity encoding or script validation. This design flaw creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized administrative actions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core administrative and user functionality components of the application, providing attackers with significant attack surface opportunities.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1049 extends beyond simple script injection to encompass potential complete system compromise when exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to establish persistent access to the application, manipulate user sessions, and potentially gain administrative privileges through session hijacking techniques. The presence of the pnAntiCracker setting in user.php creates a conditional exploitation scenario where disabling this security feature exposes the system to the op parameter vulnerability, demonstrating how security configurations can either mitigate or exacerbate existing flaws. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a critical weakness in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage through web-based attacks.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. Organizations should enforce strict parameter validation for all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in dynamic content generation, and implement proper HTML entity encoding for all output rendered to web browsers. The recommended approach includes deploying web application firewalls to filter suspicious input patterns, implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, and ensuring that all parameters passed to administrative functions undergo rigorous sanitization. Additionally, the specific configuration issue with pnAntiCracker should be addressed through mandatory security hardening procedures, including disabling or properly configuring security modules that may inadvertently expose the system to these attack vectors. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy web applications and ensure proper implementation of secure coding practices.