CVE-2008-4623 in Com Ds-syndicate
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the DS-Syndicate (com_ds-syndicate) component 1.1.1 for Joomla allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the feed_id parameter to index2.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The CVE-2008-4623 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the DS-Syndicate component version 1.1.1 for Joomla content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the feed_id parameter in the index2.php script, creating an exploitable entry point that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability falls under the category of injection flaws as defined by CWE-89, where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. The DS-Syndicate component, designed for rss feed syndication, fails to validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into database operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious feed_id parameter value to the index2.php endpoint. The component processes this input directly within sql query construction without adequate input validation or parameter binding, allowing attackers to inject sql payload that can manipulate the database structure or extract sensitive information. This type of injection vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion, potentially leading to complete database compromise. 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.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4623 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the database. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, personal information, application configuration details, and other confidential data that may be stored in the database. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation attacks where attackers can gain elevated database permissions, potentially allowing them to modify application functionality or install backdoors. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation, where attackers exploit weaknesses in web application input handling to achieve unauthorized access. The impact is particularly severe for organizations using vulnerable Joomla installations, as the compromise of the database can lead to widespread data breaches and system infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4623 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of the DS-Syndicate component where the vulnerability has been patched, as version 1.1.1 is no longer supported and contains multiple security weaknesses. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques where all user-supplied data is validated against expected formats and sanitized before database processing. Database administrators should also implement proper access controls and privilege management to limit the impact of potential sql injection attacks. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and input validation rules to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining updated software components and implementing secure coding practices such as using prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent injection attacks, as outlined in OWASP top ten security risks and secure coding guidelines.