CVE-2010-1713 in PostNuke
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in modules.php in PostNuke 0.764 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sid parameter in a News article modload action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1713 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the PostNuke content management system version 0.764. This vulnerability specifically affects the modules.php file and manifests through the sid parameter during News article modload actions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization controls, potentially enabling complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a serious weakness occurring when an application incorporates untrusted data into sql queries without proper sanitization. The attack vector specifically targets the sid parameter within the modload action context of News articles, where user input directly influences database query execution paths. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the vulnerable code constructs sql statements that execute with elevated privileges, often those of the database administrator or web application user account. This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework category of T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploit for information disclosure, as it enables attackers to extract sensitive data from the underlying database infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to retrieve user credentials, modify database content, delete critical information, or establish persistent backdoors through database-level access. The vulnerability affects organizations using PostNuke 0.764 installations, particularly those with web applications that process user inputs through the News module functionality. The risk is compounded by the fact that many legacy systems continue to operate with outdated software versions, making them prime targets for exploitation. Organizations may experience service disruption, data breaches, and compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1713 require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures to prevent malicious sql code injection. The most effective remediation involves parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate sql code from data inputs, ensuring that user-supplied parameters are treated as literal values rather than executable code. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization routines that filter or escape special sql characters such as single quotes, semicolons, and comment markers. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious sql injection patterns. The remediation process must include comprehensive code review and testing procedures to ensure all input parameters are properly validated before database interaction. System administrators should also implement principle of least privilege for database accounts and regularly audit database access logs to detect potential exploitation attempts. Given the age of PostNuke 0.764, organizations should consider migrating to supported modern content management systems to address multiple unpatched vulnerabilities and maintain ongoing security support.