CVE-2007-5150 in nukesentinel
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the is_god function in includes/nukesentinel.php in NukeSentinel 2.5.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via base64-encoded data in an admin cookie, a different vector than CVE-2007-5125.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5150 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the NukeSentinel security module version 2.5.11 for PHP-Nuke systems. This weakness specifically targets the is_god function located in the includes/nukesentinel.php file, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious SQL commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability operates through a unique attack vector that differs from the previously identified CVE-2007-5125, making it particularly concerning as it provides an additional entry point for adversaries seeking to compromise systems running this security module.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the is_god function. When an administrator accesses the system, their cookie contains base64-encoded data that is processed by the vulnerable function without proper security measures. This allows attackers to manipulate the cookie content to inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal authentication mechanisms. The base64 encoding serves as an obfuscation technique, making the attack less apparent to standard network monitoring tools and security controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation enables attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to the NukeSentinel module and potentially the entire PHP-Nuke system. Attackers can leverage this privilege escalation to execute arbitrary SQL commands, modify database content, extract sensitive information, and establish persistent access points within the compromised environment. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials used for unauthorized access, as the attack exploits administrative cookies to gain elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5150 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves applying the official patch provided by the NukeSentinel developers, which typically includes input validation and sanitization measures for the affected is_god function. Organizations should implement proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped or validated before database interaction. Network security controls such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious cookie content patterns, particularly those containing base64-encoded data that may indicate malicious intent. Additionally, regular security audits of PHP-Nuke installations should include thorough examination of all include files and authentication mechanisms to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also encompass monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may have been actively exploited in the wild prior to patching. Organizations should consider implementing additional security measures such as cookie encryption, secure flag enforcement, and regular security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their web applications.