CVE-2008-2568 in Simple Shop Galore
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Simple Shop Galore (com_simpleshop) component 3.4 and earlier for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the catid parameter in a browse action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2568 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Simple Shop Galore component version 3.4 and earlier for the Joomla! content management system. This vulnerability resides in the component's handling of user input parameters, specifically the catid parameter within the browse action of the index.php file. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the database query execution process, potentially compromising the entire underlying database infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation and sanitization within the Joomla! component's codebase. When a user submits a request containing a malicious catid parameter to the index.php file, the application fails to properly escape or filter the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows attackers to manipulate the database query structure and execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability specifically affects the browse functionality of the shopping component, making it particularly dangerous for e-commerce implementations that rely on this module.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2568 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized data modification, user account takeover, and potential lateral movement within the affected system. Attackers could extract sensitive customer information, manipulate product catalogs, modify pricing structures, or even gain administrative access to the Joomla! installation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where it maps to the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services and T1071.1 for application layer protocols. Organizations running affected versions of the Simple Shop Galore component should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and access controls. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to the patched version of the component or implementing proper input sanitization measures. Additionally, network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security audits should be employed to prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when proper security measures are not implemented in open source content management systems.