CVE-2008-1540 in Datsogallery
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Datsogallery (com_datsogallery) 1.3.1 module for Joomla! and Mambo allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a detail action to index.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The CVE-2008-1540 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Datsogallery 1.3.1 module for Joomla! and Mambo content management systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the detail action functionality within the index.php script where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerability exists in the handling of the id parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
This sql injection vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 classification as a direct sql injection attack vector where untrusted input flows directly into sql command execution without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack surface is particularly dangerous as it affects widely used cms platforms including both Joomla! and Mambo, which were prevalent content management systems during that era. The vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities that can result in complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system takeover potential. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract administrative credentials, modify database content, inject malicious code into the web application, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications hosting sensitive data or serving critical business functions.
The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and proper parameterized query implementation within the Datsogallery module. Standard security practices such as input sanitization, output encoding, and prepared statements were either absent or improperly implemented in the affected codebase. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and access controls to prevent unauthorized database access. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing web application firewalls to detect and prevent sql injection attempts. The attack vector aligns with common ATT&CK techniques for initial access and privilege escalation through application layer vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and vulnerability management programs.