CVE-2008-7102 in DotNetNuke
Summary
by MITRE
DotNetNuke 2.0 through 4.8.4 allows remote attackers to load .ascx files instead of skin files, and possibly access privileged functionality, via unknown vectors related to parameter validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7102 affects DotNetNuke content management systems version 2.0 through 4.8.4, representing a critical security flaw in the platform's file loading mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient parameter validation within the application's skin and control file handling processes, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate the system's file resolution behavior. The vulnerability operates through an unknown vector that allows adversaries to substitute .ascx files for skin files during the rendering process, potentially enabling unauthorized access to privileged functionality within the application's framework.
The technical nature of this flaw resides in the application's failure to properly validate user-supplied parameters that determine which files should be loaded during the page rendering cycle. When DotNetNuke processes requests for skin files, the system should strictly validate that only authorized skin files are loaded while preventing arbitrary file inclusion attacks. However, the validation mechanism in versions 2.0 through 4.8.4 fails to adequately restrict the file types that can be referenced, allowing attackers to specify .ascx files which contain server-side code that can be executed with the privileges of the web application. This represents a classic case of insecure file handling and parameter validation that aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access manipulation, as it potentially allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the web server with the privileges of the application pool account. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the web application's security posture but also its overall integrity and availability, as attackers could potentially disrupt services or gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that DotNetNuke was widely deployed in enterprise environments, making this vulnerability a prime target for exploitation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of DotNetNuke, implementing proper input validation at all entry points, and establishing strict file access controls within the web application's directory structure. The mitigation strategy should also include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their DotNetNuke installations to identify and remediate any additional vulnerabilities that may exist within their specific implementations. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, where attackers could leverage such flaws to execute malicious code through manipulated file inclusion parameters.