CVE-2009-0302 in Downloads module
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Downloads module for PHP-Nuke 8.0 8.1.0.3.5b and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the url parameter in the Add operation to modules.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0302 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Downloads module of PHP-Nuke versions 8.0 through 8.1.0.3.5b. This security weakness resides in the module's handling of user input during the Add operation, specifically in how the url parameter is processed. The vulnerability affects authenticated users who possess the necessary permissions to access the Downloads module, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate user credentials to execute malicious operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's database interaction layer, where user-supplied data flows directly into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user submits a malicious url parameter value during the Add operation within the Downloads module. The application fails to properly sanitize this input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the affected web application. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The attack vector requires the attacker to be authenticated to the system, which reduces the initial attack surface but increases the potential impact since the attacker can leverage existing user permissions and access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. An attacker with access to the Downloads module could potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive user data, manipulate download records, or even gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire PHP-Nuke installation, as SQL injection attacks can often be leveraged to extract complete database schemas, user credentials, and other sensitive information. Additionally, the compromised system may serve as a staging ground for further attacks within the network infrastructure, particularly if the web application shares database credentials with other systems. This vulnerability directly impacts the application's security posture by creating a persistent backdoor for attackers who can maintain access even after initial exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0302 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected PHP-Nuke versions to the latest available releases that contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement proper parameterized queries or prepared statements throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation, ensuring that only authorized users can access the Downloads module. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application-level filtering, database-level constraints, and web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to database interaction code and user input handling mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against application-level attacks that can compromise entire systems through seemingly small input validation flaws.