CVE-2008-0147 in SmallNuke
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in SmallNuke 2.0.4 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the user_email parameter and possibly (2) username parameter in a Members action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0147 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SmallNuke 2.0.4 content management system and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php script and exploits a fundamental weakness in input validation mechanisms. The flaw occurs when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. This configuration setting, when turned off, leaves applications vulnerable to malicious input manipulation that can bypass standard security measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves attackers crafting malicious SQL commands through specifically formatted input parameters. The primary attack vectors are the user_email parameter and potentially the username parameter within the Members action of the SmallNuke application. When these parameters are processed without proper sanitization or parameterized queries, an attacker can inject malicious SQL code that executes with the privileges of the database user. This creates a pathway for unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can create dangerous attack surfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information, including email addresses and potentially other personal data stored in the database. The ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands means attackers can escalate their privileges, create new user accounts, modify existing records, or even drop database tables entirely. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on user input for database queries without proper sanitization, making it a significant concern for any organization running outdated CMS versions. The risk is amplified in environments where the web server configuration disables magic_quotes_gpc, as this removes a basic layer of protection that would otherwise mitigate such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and multiple layers of defense. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to a supported version of SmallNuke that addresses this vulnerability through proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection. Additionally, enabling magic_quotes_gpc as a temporary workaround can provide protection while more permanent fixes are implemented. Security configurations should include regular monitoring of database access logs for suspicious activities and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The remediation process must also include comprehensive security testing of all input handling mechanisms and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and following security best practices as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for application layer attacks.