CVE-2008-0801 in Com Paxxgallery
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the PAXXGallery (com_paxxgallery) 0.2 component for Mambo and Joomla! allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the iid parameter in a view action, and possibly (2) the userid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The CVE-2008-0801 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the PAXXGallery component version 0.2 for Mambo and Joomla! content management systems. This vulnerability resides in the index.php file and demonstrates a classic insecure data handling pattern where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The vulnerability specifically affects two parameter inputs: iid within the view action and userid, both of which can be manipulated by remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands into the database layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns documented in CWE-89 sql injection categories, where unvalidated user input flows directly into database queries. When an attacker submits malicious input through either the iid or userid parameters, the application fails to implement proper input validation or sql escaping mechanisms, allowing the injected sql code to execute with the privileges of the database user account. This creates a pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data extraction, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risk to web applications running vulnerable versions of Mambo or Joomla! with the PAXXGallery component installed. Attackers can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges, access sensitive user data, manipulate gallery content, or even gain shell access to the underlying server depending on database configuration and permissions. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 application layer protocol manipulation, where attackers exploit application-specific weaknesses to gain unauthorized access.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within networks. Organizations using vulnerable versions of these content management systems face elevated risk of data breaches, regulatory violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper sql parameterization and input sanitization techniques. Security practitioners should prioritize patching affected systems, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security assessments of all web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.