CVE-2008-0461 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the Search module in PHP-Nuke 8.0 FINAL and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sid parameter in a comments action to modules.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
This vulnerability exists in PHP-Nuke version 8.0 FINAL and earlier, specifically within the Search module's index.php file. The flaw manifests as a classic SQL injection vulnerability that occurs when the magic_quotes_gpc PHP configuration setting is disabled. The attack vector targets the sid parameter within the comments action of modules.php, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands into the application's database layer. This represents a critical security weakness that directly compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system's data storage mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input sanitization and parameter validation within the PHP-Nuke application framework. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, creating an environment where malicious input can be directly interpreted by the database engine. The sid parameter in the comments action becomes a conduit for attackers to inject SQL payloads that can manipulate database queries, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting both the availability and integrity of the targeted system's database resources. Attackers could potentially extract sensitive user information, modify database records, or even gain elevated privileges within the application's database environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This vulnerability directly enables data breaches and can serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of SQL injection.
The primary mitigation strategy involves ensuring that magic_quotes_gpc is enabled or implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code. System administrators should immediately upgrade to PHP-Nuke versions that address this vulnerability, as version 8.1 and later include necessary security patches. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls, using stored procedures, and employing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and input validation reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities within their application codebase, as this represents a common class of security flaw that continues to affect legacy applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper database security practices and input sanitization in web application development.