CVE-2006-0163 in Php-nuke Ev
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the search module (modules/Search/index.php) of PHPNuke EV 7.7 -R1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the query parameter, which is used by the search field. NOTE: This is a different vulnerability than CVE-2005-3792.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0163 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the PHPNuke EV 7.7 -R1 content management system, specifically affecting the search module located at modules/Search/index.php. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's search functionality, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations through carefully crafted SQL commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes user input from the search field through the query parameter without proper sanitization or parameterization. Attackers can construct malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal input filtering mechanisms and directly influence the database query execution flow. This flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the search functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthorized users to access, modify, or delete database content without proper authentication. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which represents improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, a fundamental weakness in database interaction security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized administrative access, and potential system-wide infiltration. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive user credentials, personal information, and system configuration data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PHPNuke was widely deployed web applications, meaning that exploitation could affect numerous websites simultaneously. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities for database access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the application. Organizations should implement prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, while also applying input sanitization filters to all user-supplied data. The most effective remediation involves updating to a patched version of PHPNuke or implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns. Security measures should include regular vulnerability assessments, proper database access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized database activities. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit database user permissions and reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. System administrators must also establish robust logging and monitoring mechanisms to detect suspicious database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to catastrophic security breaches in web applications.