CVE-2008-6181 in Com Mad4joomla
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Mad4Joomla Mailforms (com_mad4joomla) component before 1.1.8.2 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the jid parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The CVE-2008-6181 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Mad4Joomla Mailforms component for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.1.8.2 and resides in the component's handling of user input through the jid parameter in the index.php file. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly into the application's database layer, potentially compromising the entire system. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution vector means that attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring local system access or authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Mad4Joomla Mailforms component. When the jid parameter is processed by the application, it fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. This oversight creates a direct pathway for malicious sql payloads to be executed against the underlying database. The vulnerability manifests when the application constructs sql statements using user-provided input without proper parameterization or filtering mechanisms. According to the CWE catalog, this represents a classic instance of CWE-89 sql injection, which is categorized as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for data breach and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6181 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive database access capabilities. Successful exploitation allows malicious actors to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. Attackers can also modify or delete database records, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive resources. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the attack pattern described in the mitre ATT&CK framework under the initial access and execution phases, where adversaries establish footholds and execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Mad4Joomla Mailforms component to version 1.1.8.2 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should also implement proper input sanitization measures including parameterized queries, proper escaping of special characters, and comprehensive input validation routines. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious sql injection patterns, restricting database user permissions to minimize potential damage, and conducting regular security audits of third-party components. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why organizations must maintain up-to-date security practices, including regular component updates, vulnerability assessments, and proper security monitoring to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in content management systems.