CVE-2008-1314 in Gaestebuch Module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Johannes Hass gaestebuch 2.2 module for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in an edit action to modules.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2025
The CVE-2008-1314 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Johannes Hass gaestebuch 2.2 module for PHP-Nuke systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of user input during edit operations, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious sql commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of the id parameter, which is processed without proper escaping or parameterization techniques that would prevent sql command injection. The affected module operates within the PHP-Nuke framework, a widely used content management system that was popular in the mid-2000s for creating web portals and community sites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the id parameter in the modules.php script during an edit action. This parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed by the database server. The vulnerability is classified as a classic sql injection attack where user-controllable input is concatenated directly into sql statements, bypassing normal security controls and authentication mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution and full database access, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations running affected PHP-Nuke installations with the gaestebuch 2.2 module. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, data loss, unauthorized access to user accounts, and potential system takeover. The vulnerability affects not just individual user data but could also expose sensitive system information, application logic, and potentially lead to further attacks on interconnected systems. The impact is amplified by the fact that PHP-Nuke was widely deployed in community portals, business websites, and educational institutions during the affected period, making this vulnerability a significant threat to numerous organizations. According to the CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 sql injection, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to command and control through database manipulation.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2008-1314 involve immediate patching of the affected module to implement proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should ensure all user input is properly escaped or parameterized before being incorporated into sql queries, following secure coding practices that prevent sql injection attacks. The most effective remediation involves implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from data, ensuring that malicious input cannot alter the intended sql command structure. Additionally, input validation should be implemented at multiple levels including application firewalls, web application firewalls, and code-level sanitization. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other modules or components, and access controls should be implemented to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect suspicious sql query patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.