CVE-2005-1700 in PostNuke
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in pnadmin.php in the Xanthia module in PostNuke 0.760-RC3 allows remote administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the riga[0] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1700 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Xanthia module of PostNuke version 0.760-RC3, specifically affecting the pnadmin.php administrative interface. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user input parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the riga[0] parameter. The flaw is particularly concerning because it targets administrative functions, potentially allowing unauthorized users to escalate privileges and gain full control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Xanthia module's administrative component. When the riga[0] parameter is processed, the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query structures. This omission creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can directly influence the structure of database commands, enabling the execution of arbitrary SQL statements. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses, and demonstrates how improper input handling can lead to complete database compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to PostNuke installations, as it allows remote attackers with administrative privileges to execute malicious SQL commands against the underlying database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, potentially enabling attackers to modify database schemas, extract sensitive information, or even escalate their access to system-level privileges. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall within the Privilege Escalation and Credential Access domains, as successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to administrative accounts and database resources. Organizations running vulnerable PostNuke installations face potential data breaches, system compromise, and complete loss of administrative control over their web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected PostNuke version to the latest available security updates. System administrators should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in future deployments. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit administrative access to only necessary personnel. The implementation of web application firewalls and regular security audits can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential SQL injection vulnerabilities within their web applications, as this represents a common attack vector that requires continuous monitoring and remediation efforts.