CVE-2007-5092 in Dance Music module for phpNuke
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in the Dance Music module for phpNuke, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in an ACCEPT_FILE array parameter to modules.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5092 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Dance Music module of phpNuke content management system. This weakness specifically manifests when the phpNuke installation has register_globals enabled, a configuration that historically posed significant security risks by automatically exposing user input as global variables. The vulnerability resides in the index.php file of the Dance Music module and exploits the improper handling of user-supplied input through the ACCEPT_FILE array parameter that gets processed in modules.php. Attackers can leverage this flaw by manipulating the ACCEPT_FILE parameter to include directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, effectively allowing them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic directory traversal pattern that aligns with CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. When register_globals is enabled, user input becomes directly accessible as global variables without proper sanitization, creating an attack surface where malicious input can be directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the file inclusion mechanism in phpNuke modules, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the ACCEPT_FILE array parameter before using it in file operations. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that, when processed by the vulnerable application, result in the inclusion of arbitrary local files, potentially leading to remote code execution or sensitive data disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server with the privileges of the web application. This represents a severe threat to system confidentiality, integrity, and availability, particularly in environments where phpNuke is deployed with weak security configurations. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to access database credentials, user authentication details, and other sensitive system information. The attack vector demonstrates how legacy security misconfigurations, such as enabling register_globals, can create persistent vulnerabilities even in well-established software platforms. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a straightforward path to gaining unauthorized access to server resources, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or systems handling sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5092 should prioritize immediate remediation through proper configuration management and code-level fixes. Organizations must disable register_globals in their phpNuke installations, as this configuration option is inherently insecure and has been deprecated in modern php versions. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed in file inclusion operations. Security measures should include parameter validation that rejects or filters out special characters such as .. and / that could be used for path traversal attacks. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and restricting the web application's ability to include arbitrary files through user input helps mitigate the risk. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003, which covers the use of file inclusion vulnerabilities for code execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive input validation and secure coding practices. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and defense in depth, ensuring that even if one security control fails, other protections remain effective.