CVE-2014-3934 in PHP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Submit_News module for PHP-Nuke 8.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the topics[] parameter to modules.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3934 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Submit_News module of PHP-Nuke version 8.3. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user input through the topics[] parameter in the modules.php script, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 sql injection as defined by the common weakness enumeration framework, where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql command construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql code through the topics[] parameter, which is processed by the Submit_News module. When the application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input, it enables attackers to craft sql payloads that bypass normal input validation mechanisms. The topics[] parameter specifically accepts array-based input from web forms, and the flawed sanitization process treats this data as executable sql commands rather than mere data. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database interaction layer, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even gain administrative access to the underlying database system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the affected PHP-Nuke installation. Remote code execution becomes possible through sql injection techniques that can leverage database-specific features such as stored procedures, out-of-band data exfiltration, or union-based queries. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PHP-Nuke was widely deployed in content management systems and web applications, meaning that exploitation could affect numerous websites simultaneously. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability maps to technique T1071.004 application layer protocol and T1190 exploitation for execution, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized operations within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3934 must focus on immediate input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization measures that filter or escape special sql characters before processing user input, particularly array-based parameters like topics[]. The recommended approach involves transitioning from dynamic sql construction to prepared statements or parameterized queries, which separate sql code from data and prevent malicious input from being interpreted as executable commands. Additionally, input validation should enforce strict type checking and length limitations for the topics[] parameter, while implementing proper output encoding when displaying data back to users. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to PHP-Nuke versions that address this specific vulnerability, as the original 8.3 release contained no built-in protections against such injection attacks. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, aligning with industry standards that emphasize the need for proper sql injection prevention mechanisms.