CVE-2008-6779 in Sarkilar module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Sarkilar module for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a showcontent action to modules.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2025
The CVE-2008-6779 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Sarkilar module of PHP-Nuke content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the showcontent action within the modules.php file, where the id parameter is improperly handled without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw exists in the module's processing logic where user-supplied input directly influences database query construction, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying sql queries through crafted input values. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and improper input validation, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious value through the id parameter in the showcontent action URL. The application fails to properly escape or validate this input before incorporating it into sql statements, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute with the privileges of the web application's database user. This allows for complete database compromise including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a cwe-89 sql injection weakness, which is a fundamental security flaw that has been consistently identified as one of the most critical web application vulnerabilities by the owasp top ten project.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using PHP-Nuke with the Sarkilar module, as it enables remote code execution capabilities without requiring authentication. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access sensitive information, modify content, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential service disruption, data corruption, and unauthorized access to other system components that may share the same database infrastructure. This vulnerability represents a critical threat vector in the attack chain as defined by the mitre attack framework, specifically categorized under initial access and execution tactics where attackers can establish persistent access through database compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6779 should focus on immediate input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations must implement proper input sanitization techniques including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The recommended approach involves validating all user inputs against expected data types and ranges, implementing proper escape sequences for sql special characters, and ensuring that database user privileges are restricted to the minimum required for application functionality. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to PHP-Nuke installations, and the affected Sarkilar module should be either updated to a secure version or completely removed from production environments. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious sql injection patterns and anomalous database access attempts.