CVE-2008-0881 in Okul Module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in modules.php in the Okul 1.0 module for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the okulid parameter in an okullar action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0881 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Okul 1.0 module for PHP-Nuke, a widely used content management system. This security weakness specifically targets the modules.php file where the okulid parameter is processed during an okullar action, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration standard, which systematically catalogs software security weaknesses and their associated attack patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the PHP-Nuke module. When the okulid parameter is passed through the okullar action without proper escaping or parameterized query construction, attackers can inject malicious sql code that gets executed by the database server. This allows for arbitrary command execution against the database, potentially enabling full compromise of the application's data layer. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can submit requests to the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption, as it provides attackers with extensive capabilities to manipulate the entire database structure. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, including unauthorized access to user credentials, sensitive personal information, and application configuration data. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire PHP-Nuke installation, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, create backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the credential access and persistence categories, where attackers leverage injection flaws to gain unauthorized system access.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper output encoding to prevent sql injection attacks. The recommended defense-in-depth approach involves applying the latest security patches from the PHP-Nuke community, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security assessments of all module components. Additionally, following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the owasp top ten and the software security development lifecycle can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future development cycles. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect and remediate similar injection flaws across the entire application infrastructure.