CVE-2005-4715 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in modules.php in PHP-Nuke 7.8, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) name, (2) sid, and (3) pid parameters in a POST request, which bypasses security checks that are performed for GET requests.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4715 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHP-Nuke content management system version 7.8. This vulnerability specifically affects the modules.php file and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The flaw occurs when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where malicious input can bypass standard security measures that would otherwise be effective. The vulnerability impacts three distinct parameter fields within POST requests including name, sid, and pid, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through multiple vectors within the same module.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input sanitization for POST parameters in the modules.php file. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET and POST data, leaving the application susceptible to malicious SQL payload injection. Attackers can craft specially formatted POST requests containing SQL commands within the name, sid, or pid parameters, allowing them to execute arbitrary database operations. This bypasses the security checks that are typically implemented for GET requests, creating a scenario where the application's defense mechanisms are selectively ineffective based on request method. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of improper input handling that enables unauthorized database access and manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4715 is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected PHP-Nuke installation's database. Successful exploitation could result in data theft, data modification, unauthorized user account creation, and complete system compromise. The vulnerability's ability to bypass GET request security checks while maintaining the same attack surface for POST requests creates a particularly dangerous scenario where defensive measures are rendered ineffective. Organizations running PHP-Nuke 7.8 with magic_quotes_gpc disabled face significant risk of unauthorized database access, which could lead to data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190, which addresses exploitation of remote services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution involves enabling magic_quotes_gpc in PHP configuration or implementing robust input sanitization and parameterized queries throughout the application code. Organizations should also consider implementing Web Application Firewall rules to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns in POST requests. Additional mitigations include restricting database user privileges to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security audits of input handling mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of defense-in-depth strategies and demonstrates why relying solely on single-layer security measures can be insufficient. Organizations should also consider upgrading to newer versions of PHP-Nuke that have addressed this vulnerability and implemented more robust security controls. Regular security testing and monitoring for similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems remains crucial for maintaining operational security posture.