CVE-2008-0907 in Inhalt module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Inhalt module for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0907 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Inhalt module of PHP-Nuke content management system. This security weakness resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the cid parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 SQL Injection as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically targeting the improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious SQL commands within the cid parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding in the PHP-Nuke application code. When the cid parameter is processed by the Inhalt module, the application fails to properly escape or filter special SQL characters and commands that could alter the intended database query execution flow. This allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary database operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to perform data manipulation, unauthorized data retrieval, and potentially full system compromise through database-level commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive user information, modify content, or even escalate privileges within the system. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or local system credentials to exploit this weakness. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities and T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where PHP-Nuke is deployed. The attack surface is significant given that PHP-Nuke was widely used content management systems in the late 2000s, making this vulnerability a prime target for automated exploitation tools and malicious actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0907 should prioritize immediate patching of affected PHP-Nuke installations, as the vulnerability has been addressed through official security updates. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar issues in custom applications. The use of web application firewalls and database access controls can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses in other application components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies as recommended by industry standards including OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.