CVE-2007-4778 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the content component (com_content) in Joomla! 1.5 Beta1, Beta2, and RC1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the filter parameter in an archive action to (1) archive.php, (2) category.php, or (3) section.php in models/. NOTE: this may be the same as CVE-2007-4777.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4778 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Joomla! content management system versions 1.5 Beta1, Beta2, and RC1. This vulnerability specifically targets the com_content component which handles content management functionalities within the Joomla framework. The flaw manifests when the filter parameter is manipulated during archive actions performed on archive.php, category.php, or section.php files located in the models directory. These files are essential components responsible for organizing and displaying content based on various categorization methods such as archives, categories, and sections.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Joomla framework's content handling mechanisms. When users interact with the archive functionality through the specified PHP files, the system fails to properly sanitize the filter parameter before incorporating it into SQL queries. This oversight allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through crafted input, potentially enabling full database compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user-supplied data directly influences database query construction without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying database system. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify content, create backdoor accounts, or even escalate privileges within the application environment. The remote nature of this attack means that adversaries do not require local system access or authentication to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-89 which defines SQL injection as the insertion of malicious SQL code into input fields for execution by the database.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for Exploit Public-Facing Application, specifically targeting web application security weaknesses. The attack surface is broad as it affects multiple core files within the Joomla content management system, making it attractive to automated exploitation tools. The fact that this vulnerability affects beta and release candidate versions indicates a critical oversight in the security testing phase of the Joomla development lifecycle, suggesting that proper input validation procedures were not adequately implemented or tested before release.
Organizations utilizing affected Joomla versions should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper sanitization of user inputs before database processing. The most effective immediate solution involves patching to a supported Joomla version that addresses this vulnerability, as the affected versions are no longer maintained or supported. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all user inputs processed by the content management system and ensure that proper access controls are implemented to limit database query execution capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing during software development phases and highlights the critical need for robust input validation mechanisms in web applications.