CVE-2008-0772 in Com Doc
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the com_doc component for Joomla! and Mambo allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the sid parameter in a view task.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0772 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the com_doc component of Joomla! and Mambo content management systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php file and occurs when processing the sid parameter within a view task operation. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL commands through the sid parameter, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. Such vulnerabilities fall under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows unauthenticated remote exploitation, meaning attackers can leverage this vulnerability without requiring valid credentials or prior access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the com_doc component's parameter handling mechanism. When the sid parameter is passed to the index.php script, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. This lack of proper sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL code that gets executed by the database server. The vulnerability is classified as a classic second-order SQL injection, where the malicious input is initially stored and then later executed in a different context. This characteristic makes detection more challenging as the initial injection may not immediately trigger suspicious behavior, but rather manifests during subsequent database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or manipulation. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the database. The attacker might also gain the ability to modify or delete database records, potentially leading to complete system compromise. In the context of web application security frameworks, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation. The compromise of database integrity could also facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or even lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations running affected versions of Joomla! or Mambo systems would face significant security risks, particularly those handling sensitive data or operating in regulated environments where data protection compliance is mandatory.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0772 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases of both Joomla! and Mambo platforms. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms, including parameterized queries or prepared statements, to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL patterns in database queries. The implementation of least privilege principles for database accounts and regular security audits of web applications can further reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams must ensure that all third-party components and extensions are regularly updated and reviewed for similar vulnerabilities, as this particular flaw demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in preventing database-level attacks that can have cascading effects throughout an organization's digital infrastructure.