CVE-2008-1137 in Com Garyscookbook
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Garys Cookbook (com_garyscookbook) 1.1.1 and earlier component for Mambo and Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a detail action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1137 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Garys Cookbook component version 1.1.1 and earlier for content management systems Mambo and Joomla platforms, which were widely adopted content management systems during this period, making the impact particularly significant given the extensive deployment of these applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious value through the id parameter in the detail action URL. The component fails to properly sanitize this input before incorporating it into sql queries, enabling attackers to construct malicious sql statements that bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. This allows unauthorized execution of database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even administrative commands depending on the database privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the detail action functionality, suggesting that the flaw exists in how the component processes single record retrieval operations where user-supplied identifiers are used to query database records. This type of injection vulnerability falls 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 command construction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise database integrity and potentially gain elevated privileges within the affected applications. Remote code execution becomes possible when attackers can manipulate database operations to alter application behavior or inject malicious code. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of affected Mambo and Joomla! installations, making it particularly dangerous as the attack surface includes any system running vulnerable versions of the Garys Cookbook component. Security implications include potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and possible system compromise leading to full administrative control. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing such attacks. Organizations running these platforms faced significant risk as the vulnerability could be exploited without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it a prime target for automated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1137 require immediate patching of the affected Garys Cookbook component to version 1.1.2 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should implement proper input sanitization measures including parameterized queries, input length validation, and character set filtering to prevent malicious data from being processed. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection layers by monitoring for suspicious sql injection patterns. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and ensure proper input validation practices are maintained. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege for database accounts used by web applications, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit public-facing application, emphasizing the need for proper application hardening and regular security updates to prevent unauthorized access through known vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing comprehensive security practices throughout the application lifecycle.