CVE-2008-0652 in Com Downloads
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the Downloads (com_downloads) component for Mambo and Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the filecatid parameter in a selectfolder action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0652 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Downloads component of Mambo and Joomla! content management systems. This security weakness specifically affects the index.php file within the com_downloads component and exposes the system to remote code execution attacks through improper input validation. The vulnerability manifests when the filecatid parameter is manipulated during a selectfolder action, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer. Such a flaw fundamentally compromises the integrity of the web application's database interactions and represents a severe threat to the overall security posture of affected systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the filecatid parameter which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation within the selectfolder action handler. When an attacker submits a malicious value through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or filter the input before incorporating it into SQL query construction. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax that can manipulate the database structure, extract sensitive information, modify data, or even execute administrative commands. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software design where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector operates entirely through HTTP requests, making it accessible to remote adversaries without requiring local system access or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0652 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data, including credentials, personal information, and business-critical data stored within the database. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, modify content, deface websites, or use the compromised system as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects widely deployed content management systems, making it particularly dangerous as it can impact numerous websites and organizations simultaneously. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability fits within the attack pattern described by ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS, though more accurately represents T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to database information repositories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0652 require immediate action through software updates and patch management procedures. Organizations must upgrade to patched versions of Mambo and Joomla! platforms as soon as possible, as the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and parameter sanitization measures. Implementing proper input validation techniques including prepared statements, parameterized queries, and strict input filtering can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Security teams should also deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns and anomalous database access attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses throughout the application codebase. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper database access control and input sanitization practices as outlined in security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing that database security should be considered a fundamental aspect of web application security design.