CVE-2008-0799 in Com Quiz
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the Quiz (com_quiz) 0.81 and earlier component for Mambo and Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the tid parameter in a user_tst_shw action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0799 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Quiz component version 0.81 and earlier for Mambo and Joomla! content management systems. This security weakness resides in the index.php file and specifically targets the tid parameter during user_tst_shw action execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Attackers can exploit this flaw by manipulating the tid parameter to inject malicious SQL commands that bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a code injection technique that occurs when user input is directly concatenated into SQL command strings without proper sanitization. The flaw manifests when the application processes the tid parameter without employing parameterized queries or adequate input filtering, allowing malicious actors to construct SQL statements that execute unintended database operations. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the database communication channel between the web application and its backend database system.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0799 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to perform complete database compromise including data manipulation, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential system escalation. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the database server, potentially leading to full system compromise and persistent backdoor installation. The attack surface is particularly concerning for web applications using Mambo or Joomla! platforms with vulnerable Quiz component installations, as these systems often contain sensitive user data, quiz results, and administrative information. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms within the application, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain administrative control over the affected web application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability encompass immediate patching of the Quiz component to version 0.82 or later, which addresses the SQL injection flaw through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future deployments. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns in HTTP requests. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in applications to gain unauthorized access. Security administrators must also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential SQL injection points within the application stack and implement proper database access controls to limit the impact of successful attacks. Regular security audits and code reviews should be performed to ensure that input validation mechanisms remain robust against evolving attack vectors.