CVE-2008-0906 in Docum module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Docum module in PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the artid parameter in a viewarticle operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0906 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Docum module of PHP-Nuke content management system. This security weakness resides in the way the application processes user input through the artid parameter during viewarticle operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability specifically affects the Docum module which is responsible for document management functionalities within the PHP-Nuke framework, making it a significant target for attackers seeking to exploit database access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Docum module's handling of the artid parameter. When users request to view articles through the viewarticle operation, the application fails to properly escape or validate the artid input before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed within the database context, potentially enabling them to extract, modify, or delete data from the underlying database system. The vulnerability manifests as a classic SQL injection attack vector where the attacker can manipulate the database query structure through crafted input parameters, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected system. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, allowing threat actors to access sensitive user information, application configuration details, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper system access. The remote nature of this attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system and can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability also aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should prevent user-controllable input from directly influencing database query construction.
Organizations utilizing PHP-Nuke systems with the vulnerable Docum module face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized access to confidential information, and potential system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PHP-Nuke was widely deployed in web applications, meaning that numerous systems could be affected by this vulnerability. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploitation of remote services and T1071.004 which addresses application layer protocol manipulation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing database injection attacks, highlighting gaps in the application's security architecture that could be exploited for more sophisticated attacks beyond simple SQL injection. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the vulnerable module, implementation of proper input validation, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and prevent malicious SQL injection attempts.