CVE-2008-0844 in Com Pccookbook
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in the PccookBook (com_pccookbook) component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The CVE-2008-0844 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the pccookbook component for joomla cms platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the index.php file within the com_pccookbook component where the user_id parameter is improperly validated and sanitized. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database layer through crafted input parameters, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation and improper sql query construction within the component's codebase, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized database access and manipulation. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category of cwe-89 sql injection as defined by the cwes standard, which specifically addresses the improper handling of sql command structure in applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or modification. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, personal data, and administrative access details. The vulnerability enables full database compromise where malicious actors can execute arbitrary sql commands, potentially leading to complete system takeover. This risk is amplified in joomla environments where the pccookbook component may be used for recipe management and user content, making the attack surface particularly valuable for data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the pccookbook component and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it a severe threat to any joomla installation that has this component enabled. This aligns with the attack technique described in the mitre att&ck framework under the t1071.004 network protocol abuse category, where attackers exploit application-level vulnerabilities to manipulate database communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected joomla component to ensure proper input sanitization and parameterized query execution. Organizations should implement input validation at multiple levels including application layer filtering, database query parameterization, and web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. The recommended approach includes upgrading to patched versions of the pccookbook component and implementing proper sql injection prevention techniques such as prepared statements and stored procedures. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual sql query patterns and unauthorized database access attempts. Additionally, regular security audits of joomla installations should verify that all third-party components are up to date and that proper input validation mechanisms are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper sql query construction and input sanitization practices as outlined in the owasp top ten project, specifically addressing the sql injection category that remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and access controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.