CVE-2008-0854 in Com Salesrep
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the com_salesrep component for Joomla! and Mambo allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the rid parameter in a showrep action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The CVE-2008-0854 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the com_salesrep component of Joomla! and Mambo content management systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the rid parameter within the showrep action of the index.php script, creating an exploitable pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the component's parameter handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to inject sql payloads that bypass normal security controls.
This vulnerability operates under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental flaw in application security where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution and database manipulation without requiring authentication or privileged access to the web application. The vulnerability exists in both Joomla! and Mambo platforms, indicating a widespread impact across similar content management systems that share common code components or architectures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected database. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information including user credentials, modify database content, and establish persistent access points within the target environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the server infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0854 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Joomla! and Mambo installations, as vendors released security updates to address the input validation issues. Organizations should implement proper parameterized queries and input sanitization techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for sql injection patterns, while regular security audits should verify that all components and extensions are properly updated and validated. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments in preventing widespread exploitation of sql injection flaws across web applications.