CVE-2008-1559 in Com Alphacontent
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Bernard Gilly AlphaContent (com_alphacontent) 2.5.8 component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a view action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The CVE-2008-1559 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Bernard Gilly AlphaContent component version 2.5.8 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the component's handling of user input through the id parameter in the view action of index.php, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The flaw exists due to inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the component's code, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql commands that bypass normal security controls. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in content management systems where components handle user-supplied data without proper filtering or escaping.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns for sql injection attacks where the attacker manipulates the id parameter to inject malicious sql code. When the component processes this parameter without proper sanitization, the injected commands execute within the database context, potentially allowing full database access, data exfiltration, or even system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql fragments into input data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to execute arbitrary code. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can craft malicious requests.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1559 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify content, create backdoors, or establish persistent command and control channels. The vulnerability affects all Joomla! installations using the specific AlphaContent component version 2.5.8, potentially impacting numerous websites and organizations that have not updated their systems. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences from unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in databases. The long-term implications include compromised user trust and potential financial losses from remediation efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1559 require immediate action including updating to patched versions of the AlphaContent component, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries, and applying web application firewalls to filter malicious requests. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected component and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. The recommended approach aligns with industry best practices for sql injection prevention including the use of prepared statements, input sanitization, and principle of least privilege for database accounts. Additionally, implementing proper monitoring and logging mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.