CVE-2007-0373 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Joomla! 1.5.0 Beta allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the searchword parameter in certain files; the where parameter in (2) plugins/search/content.php or (3) plugins/search/weblinks.php; the text parameter in (4) plugins/search/contacts.php, (5) plugins/search/categories.php, or (6) plugins/search/sections.php; or (7) the email parameter in database/table/user.php, which is not properly handled by the check function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2007-0373 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Joomla! 1.5.0 Beta installations, demonstrating a fundamental failure in input validation and parameter handling within the content management system's search functionality and user database operations. This vulnerability exists across multiple components of the Joomla framework, specifically targeting the search plugins and user management modules where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The technical exploitation occurs through several distinct attack vectors that all share the common weakness of improper input validation. Attackers can manipulate the searchword parameter in core search files to inject malicious SQL commands, while the where parameter in plugins/search/content.php serves as another entry point for SQL injection attacks. Additionally, the plugins/search/weblinks.php file contains a vulnerable where parameter that allows attackers to inject SQL code, making the exploitation surface even broader. The vulnerability extends to multiple search plugins including contacts.php, categories.php, and sections.php where the text parameter can be manipulated to execute arbitrary SQL commands, while the email parameter in database/table/user.php provides a direct avenue for database manipulation through the flawed check function implementation.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects core Joomla functionality and user database operations, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database content, or even gain unauthorized access to administrative accounts. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability enables full database manipulation capabilities, making it a severe threat to Joomla installations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands without authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the entire search functionality of the Joomla platform, which is a core feature used by both administrators and end users, making it highly exploitable. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, modify content, or even escalate privileges to administrative access, depending on the database permissions and structure. The fact that multiple search plugins are affected increases the attack surface significantly, as different user roles or system configurations might expose additional attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0373 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized queries across all affected components. Organizations should implement proper SQL escaping mechanisms and ensure that all user-supplied input is validated and sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerable check function in database/table/user.php must be immediately patched or replaced with secure parameterized query implementations. Security measures should include input filtering at multiple layers, including web application firewalls, proper database permissions, and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and adherence to the principle of least privilege in database access, ensuring that applications use parameterized queries rather than dynamic SQL construction. This vulnerability serves as a prime example of why organizations must maintain up-to-date security patches and implement comprehensive security testing procedures to prevent exploitation of similar weaknesses in their web applications.