CVE-2008-0849 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 cat parameter in a selectcat function, a different vector than CVE-2008-0652.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0849 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 exploits a direct database query execution path through the cat parameter in the selectcat function. The vulnerability operates as a distinct attack vector from CVE-2008-0652, indicating that attackers can bypass certain defensive measures that might be in place for the previous vulnerability. This SQL injection flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the database queries executed by the web application, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or executing malicious commands directly on the database server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the selectcat function where user-supplied data from the cat parameter is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. When an attacker submits malicious input through the cat parameter, the application fails to properly escape or filter special SQL characters and commands, enabling the injection of arbitrary SQL code. This flaw typically manifests when the application concatenates user input directly into database queries, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the intended query structure and execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0849 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized user account creation, data modification or deletion, and potential system takeover. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can extract sensitive information including user credentials, database schema details, and confidential business data stored within the affected applications. The remote nature of this attack vector means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Mambo or Joomla! are at significant risk of data breaches and regulatory compliance violations, especially in environments where personal or financial information is processed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the original security advisory recommended by the vendors would have addressed this specific flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future, following secure coding practices that align with the OWASP Top Ten security risks. Database access controls should be implemented to limit the privileges of database accounts used by web applications, ensuring that even if an attack succeeds, the damage remains contained. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security audits and code reviews help identify potential injection points before they can be exploited. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security measures that address the ATT&CK framework's techniques for SQL injection and credential access, ensuring that defensive measures cover both the specific vulnerability and broader attack patterns.