CVE-2008-0603 in Com Awesom
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the amazOOP Awesom! (com_awesom) 0.3.2component for Mambo and Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the listid parameter in a viewlist task.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0603 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the amazOOP Awesom! component version 0.3.2 for mambo and joomla platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php file and manifests when processing the listid parameter within a viewlist task. The flaw exists in the component's handling of user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors. The vulnerability impacts both mambo and joomla content management systems, which were widely adopted web publishing platforms during this period, making the exploit particularly dangerous due to the extensive deployment of affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the component's backend processing logic. When the viewlist task is invoked with a listid parameter, the application fails to properly escape or sanitize the user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql query structures. This allows attackers to inject malicious sql code that gets executed within the database context. The vulnerability maps directly to common weakness enumeration cwE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental flaw in data validation and input handling. Attackers can manipulate the listid parameter to inject sql payloads that can extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or corruption. Successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, allowing attackers to access confidential user information, administrative credentials, and other sensitive data stored within the affected joomla or mambo installations. The vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities when combined with appropriate sql injection techniques, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the affected web applications. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on these platforms for content management, as the exploitation can occur without any authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible websites. The vulnerability also aligns with attack technique t1071.004 from the attack tactics and techniques framework, which covers application layer protocol manipulation through sql injection vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected amazOOP Awesom! component to version 0.3.3 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementations. System administrators should implement proper input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls, database access controls, and application code reviews. The implementation of prepared statements and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their deployed joomla and mambo installations to identify other potentially vulnerable components, as this vulnerability often indicates broader security gaps in the application architecture. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability assessment procedures should be implemented to detect and remediate similar sql injection vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.