CVE-2008-0510 in Com Newsletter
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the Newsletter (com_newsletter) component for Mambo 4.5 and Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the listid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2024
The CVE-2008-0510 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in the newsletter component of mambo 4.5 and joomla! content management systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file within the com_newsletter component, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious sql commands against the underlying database. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly the listid parameter that is processed without proper security measures. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-89 sql injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability in the owasp top ten security risks. The attack vector allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on these legacy cms platforms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the listid parameter in the url, bypassing the application's normal input processing mechanisms. The vulnerable component fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql queries, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary sql code that executes with the privileges of the web application's database user. This can result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potentially full system compromise if the database user has elevated privileges. The vulnerability exists in the application logic where user input is directly concatenated into sql statements without proper parameterization or input sanitization techniques. This flaw demonstrates a classic example of improper input handling that violates fundamental security principles for sql query construction and data validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0510 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential service disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive user data, modify database records, create backdoor accounts, or even escalate privileges to gain shell access to the underlying server. The vulnerability affects legacy systems running mambo 4.5 and joomla! versions that were prevalent in the late 2000s, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not properly updated their systems. Organizations using these platforms face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities and establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure, potentially leading to broader security incidents. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the web application has access to sensitive databases containing personal information, financial records, or proprietary business data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0510 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches to address the underlying sql injection vulnerability. Organizations must implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the application stack. System administrators should also consider implementing database access controls and privilege separation to limit the potential damage from successful attacks. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches and updates to ensure compatibility with existing system configurations. Additionally, organizations should establish proper incident response procedures and maintain regular backups to facilitate recovery from potential compromise. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the critical need for proper input validation as outlined in the mitre attack framework and various cybersecurity standards including nist cybersecurity framework and iso 27001 requirements for secure application development and deployment.