CVE-2006-0802 in PostNuke
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the NS-Languages module for PostNuke 0.761 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is enabled, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the language parameter in a missing or translation operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0802 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the NS-Languages module of PostNuke versions 0.761 and earlier. This weakness specifically manifests when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is enabled, creating a dangerous condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content through the language parameter during missing or translation operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the module's handling of user-supplied data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the language parameter in the NS-Languages module's missing or translation operations. When magic_quotes_gpc is enabled, it automatically escapes certain characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, but this protection mechanism can be bypassed or circumvented in specific contexts. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable module, execute in the context of other users' browsers. This creates a persistent threat where injected scripts can access session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that allows malicious code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, steal sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The presence of magic_quotes_gpc creates a false sense of security that attackers can exploit by understanding the specific conditions under which the escaping mechanism fails to provide adequate protection. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications using PostNuke CMS where the NS-Languages module is active and the magic_quotes_gpc setting is enabled. The attack surface is significant as it targets the core language management functionality that many applications rely upon for internationalization and localization features.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0802 require immediate attention through multiple defensive layers. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to PostNuke versions beyond 0.761 where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input filtering that validates all user-supplied data against a whitelist of acceptable characters and patterns, regardless of magic_quotes_gpc status. Additionally, output encoding should be implemented to ensure that any data rendered to web browsers is properly escaped to prevent script execution. Security controls should include disabling magic_quotes_gpc when possible, as this setting can create a false sense of security and may interfere with proper security mechanisms. The remediation process should also involve implementing proper web application firewall rules that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting the language parameter. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachment, representing the attack vectors that leverage such flaws for initial access and execution within compromised environments.