CVE-2005-1050 in PostNuke
Summary
by MITRE
The modload op in the Reviews module for PostNuke 0.760-RC3 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid id parameter, which reveals the path in a PHP error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1050 resides within the Reviews module of PostNuke version 0.760-RC3, specifically in the modload operation handling. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input before processing it within the PHP runtime environment. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker submits an invalid id parameter to the modload function, which triggers a PHP error message containing sensitive system path information. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of error information that may contain sensitive system details.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a simple parameter manipulation attack where an attacker crafts a malformed id parameter to be processed by the Reviews module. When the system attempts to load the module with this invalid parameter, the PHP interpreter generates an error message that inadvertently reveals the absolute file path of the vulnerable application on the server. This path disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with crucial information about the server's file structure, potentially enabling further exploitation attempts such as local file inclusion attacks or directory traversal exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate error handling mechanisms within the PostNuke framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed path information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage the disclosed paths to understand the application's directory structure, identify potential weak points in the file system organization, and plan subsequent exploitation strategies. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of file and directory permissions, and can contribute to broader reconnaissance efforts. The exposure of system paths also violates security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the issue of information disclosure through error messages and inadequate input sanitization.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and error handling procedures. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters before processing them within the application, ensuring that invalid parameters are handled gracefully without exposing system information. Security measures should include implementing custom error handlers that suppress detailed path information in error messages, configuring PHP to log errors to secure locations rather than displaying them to end users, and applying input validation routines that reject malformed parameters before they reach the processing logic. Additionally, the affected PostNuke version should be upgraded to a patched release that addresses this specific vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting similar information disclosure vulnerabilities, as this type of flaw represents a common entry point for attackers seeking to gather intelligence about target systems.