CVE-2008-7033 in Com Simpleshop
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Simple Shop Galore (com_simpleshop) component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the section parameter in a section action to index.php, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-2568. NOTE: this issue was disclosed by an unreliable researcher, so the details might be incorrect.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The CVE-2008-7033 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Simple Shop Galore component for Joomla! platforms, specifically targeting the section parameter handling in the index.php script. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of injection flaws, which are among the most prevalent and dangerous security weaknesses identified in web applications. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through the section parameter during section action operations, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as a condition where an application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL commands, thereby allowing attackers to execute unauthorized database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Joomla! component fails to adequately validate or sanitize the section parameter received through the section action in the index.php file. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable application, result in unauthorized database access and command execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates entirely through web-based interactions without requiring any special privileges or local system access. This makes the vulnerability highly accessible to malicious actors with basic knowledge of SQL injection techniques and web application exploitation methods. The vulnerability differs from CVE-2008-2568 in its specific parameter handling and attack surface, indicating a distinct code path that requires separate remediation efforts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise, unauthorized user account creation, data manipulation, and potentially full system control. Remote attackers could extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the Joomla. The security implications include data integrity breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage to affected organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-7033 should prioritize immediate patching of the vulnerable Joomla! component to the latest secure version provided by the vendor. Organizations should implement input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes rigorous sanitization before database processing. Network-based security controls including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems should be configured to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting the affected parameter. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing of the application to identify and address any related vulnerabilities, while implementing proper access controls and database security measures to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to maintain ongoing protection against similar injection vulnerabilities across their web applications.