CVE-2008-7226 in Recipe Module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the Recipes module 1.3, 1.4, and possibly other versions for PHP-Nuke allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the recipeid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2025
The CVE-2008-7226 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the recipes module of PHP-Nuke content management systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 1.3 and 1.4 of the recipes module, though the issue may extend to other versions within the same release series. The flaw resides in the index.php script which processes user input through the recipeid parameter without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input through the recipeid parameter in the URL. The application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions, creating an environment where arbitrary sql commands can be executed. This injection occurs at the database layer where the application directly concatenates user input into sql statements without appropriate parameterization or input validation, making it susceptible to manipulation by threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially gain administrative privileges within the php-nuke system. Additionally, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the database. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the targeted system, representing a significant risk to organizations relying on vulnerable php-nuke installations.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in applications to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious commands. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects a core content management functionality that many organizations rely upon for their web presence. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patching the affected recipes module versions, implementing proper input validation, and applying sql injection prevention measures such as parameterized queries. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect potential exploitation attempts and limit the impact of successful attacks.