CVE-2008-0853 in Com Detail
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the com_detail component for Joomla! and Mambo allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to index.php. NOTE: this issue might be site-specific. If so, it should not be included in CVE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The CVE-2008-0853 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the com_detail component of joomla and mambo that incorporate this specific component, making it a widespread concern for web applications utilizing these platforms. The sql injection vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious sql code through the vulnerable parameter, potentially leading to complete database compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly escape or validate user input passed through the id parameter. Attackers can construct sql injection payloads that manipulate the intended sql query execution flow, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain administrative access to the application. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. This weakness category encompasses the fundamental issue where applications fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates over network connections without requiring authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0853 extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user information, financial data, or confidential business records stored within the database. Additionally, attackers might leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, modify application functionality, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's site-specific nature mentioned in the description suggests that exploitation might require specific environmental conditions or configurations, but this does not diminish the severity of the potential impact. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the attack tactic and technique framework under the execution and privilege escalation categories, where attackers can leverage the sql injection to gain unauthorized access to database resources and potentially system-level privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0853 should prioritize immediate patching of affected joomla! and mambo installations, as the vulnerability has been addressed through official security updates. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent sql injection attacks. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious sql injection patterns. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of vulnerable components within their infrastructure and ensure that all applications are running patched versions. The implementation of proper access controls and database permissions can also limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, as sql injection remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the critical need for organizations to stay current with security patches and updates for their content management systems.