When your DotNetNuke website gets compromised, a fast and expert response is crucial. At DNNDeveloper.in, we specialize in dotnetnuke malware removal, complete dotnetnuke content cleanup, and secure DNN migration. Our team recently handled a critical case involving one of our new client, where the websites were infected with malicious scripts and unauthorized access attempts.
After restoring the DotNetNuke site in our development environment, we conducted a thorough analysis and organized the action items into the distinct phases outlined below.
Phase 1: Environment Setup & Issue Identification
We started by restoring and configuring the DotNetNuke files and databases in a secure development environment. This approach helped us compare clean and infected versions and analyze the vulnerabilities exploited during the attack.
- Isolated development setup for analysis.
- Full restoration of both websites' databases and file structures.
- Prepared for deep dotnetnuke security audit.
Phase 2: Deep Malware Cleanup & Threat Removal
Our team executed a comprehensive cleanup of all suspicious or unauthorized files to ensure total dotnetnuke malware removal.
- Removed suspicious
.php, .js, and .aspx files.
- Compared all DLLs with a clean DotNetNuke v9.1.0 installation.
- Validated configuration files and CodeDOM to prevent execution of inline code.
- Audited installed extensions for third-party modifications.
Phase 3: Configuration & Permission Audit
We audited system permissions and verified that no backdoors or unauthorized extensions remained. Every element of the system was checked as part of our extensive dotnetnuke security audit.
- Inspected and corrected server file system permissions.
- Analyzed custom modules for upload vulnerabilities.
- Overrode DLLs and extensions to validate integrity.
Phase 4: Log and Database Review
To ensure complete dnn website recovery, we analyzed the logs and underlying database.
- Scanned DNN event logs and exception reports.
- Reviewed SQL tables for injections and unauthorized queries.
- Removed temporary and unverified user accounts.
Phase 5: Secure Content Migration
Once cleanup was completed, we safely migrated all valid content to a clean DNN instance — delivering secure DNN migration services with no risk of reinfection.
- Migrated verified content and module data.
- Rebuilt page structures and database entries.
- Ensured zero malware and optimal performance post-migration.
1. DNN Cookie Deserialization RCE – CVE‑2017‑9822
Describes a high-severity remote code execution issue in DNN via unsafe deserialization of the DNNPersonalization cookie. Affected versions: before 9.1.1. Patch urgently advised.
Understand this critical DotNetNuke vulnerability and how to protect your website
🔍 What is CVE-2017-9822?
CVE-2017-9822 is a high-severity security vulnerability discovered in the DNN (DotNetNuke) Content Management System. It allows an attacker to perform remote code execution (RCE) through insecure deserialization of cookies. The issue affects several versions of DNN where authentication cookies were not properly validated before being deserialized, making it possible to inject and execute arbitrary code on the server.
🚨 Why It Matters
This vulnerability can allow a remote attacker to gain full control over a DNN website, compromise sensitive data, install backdoors, and pivot deeper into the hosting environment. It poses a serious risk to DNN website security, especially for businesses using outdated versions.
🛡️ How to Mitigate CVE-2017-9822
- Upgrade your DNN installation to version 9.1.1 or higher, where this vulnerability has been patched.
- Replace and re-encrypt all authentication cookies.
- Perform a full DotNetNuke security audit and check for unauthorized changes or suspicious activity.
- Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests.
✔️ Protecting Your DNN Website
At DNNDeveloper.in, we specialize in securing and upgrading DNN sites. Whether your portal is outdated or compromised, we provide expert support for patching vulnerabilities, malware removal, and secure DNN migrations.
Don’t wait until your site is attacked. Keep your DNN platform up-to-date and secure.
2. Exploit Walkthrough: CVE 2018 15812 & CVE 2018-18325/18326
Technical, step-by-step guide to exploiting remote code execution vulnerabilities in DNN 9.2–9.3.0 RC through cookie deserialization, with Metasploit usage details and mitigation tips.
🔍 Overview of the Exploits
In 2018, three major vulnerabilities were discovered in the DotNetNuke (DNN) CMS platform—CVE 2018 15812, CVE 2018 18325, and CVE 2018 18326. These issues affected the security of file uploads, user account access, and module configurations, leaving many DNN installations exposed to remote code execution and privilege escalation.
💣 CVE 2018 15812 – File Upload Bypass
This vulnerability allowed attackers to bypass file upload restrictions by uploading files with manipulated content types. It posed a high risk of remote code execution by disguising malicious files as legitimate formats. Admin and Host accounts were particularly at risk.
Fix: Update DNN to version 9.2.2 or higher where stricter file MIME type validation was implemented.
🔐 CVE 2018 18325 & CVE 2018 18326 – Privilege Escalation via DNN Modules
These two related vulnerabilities targeted specific modules and site configuration settings, allowing unauthorized users to escalate privileges or execute unauthorized tasks. Exploiting these could give attackers access to superuser features.
These vulnerabilities highlight the importance of ongoing DotNetNuke technical support and regular updates to prevent future exploitation.
✅ Conclusion
If your site hasn’t been updated since 2018, it may still be vulnerable to these exploits. Ensure your website is secure by applying necessary patches and working with experts in DNN security and maintenance.
Need help securing your DotNetNuke site? Contact us for a full DNN security audit and protection against known CVEs like CVE 2018 15812, CVE 2018 18325, and CVE 2018 18326.
3. Tenable (Nessus) Advisory: Multiple High Vulns in 5.2.0–9.1.0
Comprehensive breakdown of several critical issues (deserialization RCE, XSS, file upload RCE, open redirect) affecting DNN versions from 5.2.0 to 9.1.0. Upgrade to 9.1.1+ recommended.
Tenable's Nessus Advisory has reported multiple high-severity vulnerabilities in DotNetNuke (DNN) versions ranging from 5.2.0 to 9.1.0. These security flaws can potentially allow attackers to exploit permissions, inject malicious code, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive site data.
🔍 What Does This Mean?
If your website is running any DotNetNuke version between 5.2.0 and 9.1.0, it may be exposed to critical risks. Attackers may use these vulnerabilities to hijack user sessions, alter content, or inject malware into your portal.
⚠️ Recommended Actions
- Upgrade your DotNetNuke installation to the latest secure version.
- Conduct a full DNN security audit using tools like the DNN Security Analyzer.
- Review and disable any outdated or untrusted third-party modules.
- Implement secure coding and deployment practices to avoid exposure.
💡 How We Can Help
At DNNDeveloper.in, we specialize in DotNetNuke vulnerability patching, secure DNN migration, and DotNetNuke malware removal. Whether you need to upgrade your platform, audit your system, or clean up after a compromise, our team can help you restore full security and performance.
✅ Stay Protected
Security advisories like this one are reminders of the importance of regular updates and expert maintenance. Don't leave your DotNetNuke portal at risk — take action today.
Need help? Contact us for immediate DotNetNuke technical support and protection against known vulnerabilities.
Common Vulnerabilities in DNN Security Center
Official DNN/Sitecore security updates log—including past critical issues like SWF based XSS, file-upload flaws, RCE and more. Shows historical context and patch timelines.
The DNN Security Center is a vital part of DotNetNuke's framework, helping administrators identify and respond to potential threats. However, many site owners overlook some of the most common vulnerabilities reported through it. Failing to address these can leave your site open to exploitation, data theft, or complete takeover.
⚠️ Common DNN Security Vulnerabilities
- Outdated Modules: Third-party extensions often introduce vulnerabilities if not regularly updated.
- Weak File Permissions: Incorrect folder or file permissions can allow unauthorized script execution or uploads.
- Unrestricted File Uploads: Some modules do not filter or validate uploaded files, allowing attackers to upload malicious content.
- Default Admin Accounts: Keeping default usernames and passwords makes brute-force attacks easier.
- Improper Authentication Providers: Custom or misconfigured providers can lead to access loopholes.
- Insecure Configuration Files: Web.config and other critical files can leak sensitive data if not hardened.
🔒 How to Stay Protected
To secure your DNN site, perform regular security audits, remove unused or outdated modules, enforce SSL, and monitor changes via the DNN Security Analyzer. It’s also wise to work with experienced DotNetNuke developers to implement hardening techniques tailored to your environment.
Security Guide: Hardening DNN Against Common Threats (Oct 2024)
Practical “how to” article with defense in depth strategies: patch management, cookie hardening, SSRF, XSS, file upload, zip slip, and SSRF specific to versions ≤ 9.10.2.
As cyber threats evolve, securing your DotNetNuke (DNN) website is more critical than ever. In this October 2024 guide, we share practical strategies to harden your DNN installation against the most common vulnerabilities.
🔐 Key Tips to Secure Your DNN Website
- Update DNN Core and Modules: Always use the latest versions of DNN and third-party extensions to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Remove Unused Extensions: Unused or outdated modules can become security holes—remove them completely.
- Restrict File Uploads: Limit upload types and scan all files for malware before allowing execution.
- Enforce Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords for all admin and host accounts, and enable two-factor authentication if available.
- Harden File Permissions: Avoid giving write access to unnecessary directories and prevent anonymous uploads.
- Run Security Analyzer: Regularly scan your DNN site using the built-in DNN Security Analyzer tool to detect configuration issues and backdoors.
🛡️ Long-Term Protection Strategy
Security is not a one-time task. Schedule regular audits, backup your data frequently, and stay updated on the latest DNN vulnerabilities and security releases. A proactive approach helps you prevent exploitation and ensures peace of mind.
✅ Conclusion
Hardening your DotNetNuke installation is essential to keep your site safe from growing cyber threats. Follow these best practices to build a resilient, secure, and reliable DNN environment in 2024 and beyond.
Need professional help? Our experts at DNNDeveloper.in specialize in DNN security audits, upgrades, and malware removal—contact us to secure your site today.
| Case |
Key Focus |
Impact |
| 1. CVE 2017 9822 |
Cookie deserialization RCE |
High |
| 2. CVE 2018 15812 |
Detailed exploit walkthrough |
High |
| 3. Nessus 5.2–9.1 advisory |
Multiple vulnerabilities |
High |
| 4. Official security log |
Historical vulnerabilities |
Medium–Critical |
| 5. Hardening guide |
Practical mitigation steps |
Medium–High |
🔐 Recommended Next Steps
- Immediate Upgrades: All affected DNN installations (pre-9.1.1) must be upgraded to version 9.1.1 or later to address
CVE 2017 9822 and other related vulnerabilities.
- Follow Technical Mitigations: If immediate upgrading is not possible, apply mitigation steps from the Metasploit walkthrough for
CVE 2018 15812, 18325, and 18326.
- Upgrade & Patch Plan: Regularly monitor the DNN Security Center and apply security patches for known issues such as XSS, file upload flaws, SSRF, and other common attack vectors.
- Adopt Defense in Depth: Follow the DotNetNuke Hardening Guide (Oct 2024) to establish layered security including:
- Proper input validation and output encoding
- Secure configuration of settings and file permissions
- Secure cookie handling and authentication protocols
- Restricting SSRF, XSS, and zip-slip vulnerabilities
Results: A Fully Secured and Restored DotNetNuke Website
Thanks to our in-depth process, we provided a robust dnn development and maintenance solution that eliminated all threats and restored client trust.
- No malware or hidden scripts remaining.
- All unauthorized users removed.
- Improved performance and security.
When your DotNetNuke website is compromised—whether through outdated modules, malware, or suspicious scripts—immediate and expert intervention is vital. At DNNDeveloper.in, we specialize in dotnetnuke malware removal, version upgrades, and secure DNN migration. This guide explains how we recovered a client’s hacked DotNetNuke site using a structured, step-by-step strategy.
We carried out the necessary actions through the following structured steps.
Step 1: Comparing and Cleaning Script & Executable Files
Our process began with a comprehensive scan and comparison of all `.dll`, `.aspx`, `.js`, and `.php` files against a clean DotNetNuke installation. Suspicious or unauthorized files were carefully removed to ensure a clean slate.
Why this matters: Malware often resides in executable or script files. Cleaning these files is essential to effective dotnetnuke content cleanup and protection from future threats.
Step 2: Removing Suspected Extensions
We audited all installed extensions and removed any outdated, unsupported, or suspicious modules. Many vulnerabilities arise from third-party components that are no longer secure or actively maintained.
Why this matters: Eliminating weak points is a critical part of a successful dotnetnuke security audit and helps prevent reinfection.
Step 3: Upgrading Extensions with Trusted Third-Party Versions
Once cleanup was complete, we reinstalled or replaced necessary extensions using verified third-party providers. Each module was tested for compatibility with the latest DNN core to ensure safe and stable integration.
Why this matters: Using secure, updated modules aligns with best practices in dnn development and maintenance.
Step 4: Upgrading the DotNetNuke Version
We upgraded the DNN installation to the latest stable version. This included updating the database schema and verifying that all extensions and content functioned correctly post-upgrade.
Why this matters: Upgrading is a core part of any dnn website recovery process—it ensures access to the latest security patches and improves performance.
Step 5: Migrating Content and Configuration to a Clean Instance
Finally, we migrated all verified content, module data, resources, and portal configurations to a freshly installed, secure DNN environment.
- HTML modules, pages, and content libraries
- Extension and theme settings
- User roles, permissions, and site settings
Why this matters: This ensures a truly clean and safe production environment, completing the secure DNN migration process without carrying over any legacy vulnerabilities.
Results: A Fully Recovered and Secured DNN Website
The outcome? A fast, secure, and reliable recovery. Our client’s site now runs on the latest DNN version with secure modules, zero malware, and improved system performance.
We restored full control while ensuring long-term protection and scalability through professional dotnetnuke technical support.
Why DNNDeveloper.in?
We’ve been leaders in DotNetNuke development and maintenance since 2006. From module development and upgrades to full security recovery services, we’ve helped clients across industries secure and scale their DNN-based websites.
- ✔️ Proven experience in dotnetnuke malware removal
- ✔️ Expert-led dotnetnuke content cleanup
- ✔️ Custom modules and theme optimization
- ✔️ Dependable dotnetnuke technical support
Get Expert Help with Your Hacked DotNetNuke Site
If your DotNetNuke website has been compromised, don’t wait. Contact our team of experts for a full recovery plan, malware cleanup, and secure DNN migration.
Request a free consultation today »
Why Choose Us?
With over 17 years of experience in dotnetnuke technical support, module development, and DNN security, we are your trusted partner for:
- Hacked DotNetNuke site recovery
- DotNetNuke content cleanup
- Secure DNN migration
- DotNetNuke development and maintenance
Conclusion
If you suspect your DotNetNuke website has been hacked or compromised, don’t wait. Our proven methodology for dotnetnuke malware removal and secure migration will get your site back online—fast and safely.
Contact us today for expert DotNetNuke technical support and secure recovery of your digital assets.