CVE-2005-1694 in PostNuke
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Xanthia.php in the Xanthia module in PostNuke 0.750 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) name or (2) module parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1694 represents a critical security flaw in the PostNuke content management system version 0.750, specifically within the Xanthia module's Xanthia.php component. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL database queries. The vulnerability affects two distinct parameter fields namely the name parameter and the module parameter, both of which are susceptible to malicious SQL injection attacks. The flaw operates under CWE-89 which classifies it as a SQL injection vulnerability, where attacker-controlled input is directly embedded into SQL command strings without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate the database query execution flow by injecting malicious SQL code through the vulnerable parameters. When the application processes user input through the name or module parameters, it directly incorporates this data into SQL statements without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to craft SQL commands that can bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute system commands depending on the database backend configuration. This type of injection occurs at the application layer where the web application fails to distinguish between legitimate input and malicious SQL code fragments that could alter the intended database behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation, as it provides attackers with substantial control over the affected PostNuke installation. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized access to administrative functions, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring local system access or credentials. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 which addresses exploitation of remote services. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PostNuke was widely deployed content management systems in 2005, making this vulnerability a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and parameterized query implementation. System administrators should apply the vendor-provided security patches or upgrade to patched versions of PostNuke as soon as possible. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input sanitization routines that escape or filter special SQL characters and adopting prepared statements or parameterized queries to separate SQL code from data. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and the principle of least privilege in database interactions, ensuring that all user inputs are properly validated and sanitized before being processed by database engines. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure proper database access controls are in place to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.