CVE-2009-0702 in Com Phocadocumentation
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Phoca Documentation (com_phocadocumentation) component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in a section action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0702 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Phoca Documentation component for Joomla ecosystem by leveraging the component's insufficient input validation mechanisms, which fail to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into database operations. The flaw demonstrates a classic pattern of insecure data handling where user-controllable parameters directly influence query construction without adequate security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the component's failure to employ proper parameterized queries or input sanitization when processing the id parameter in section actions. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that manipulate the SQL query structure by injecting special characters or SQL commands directly into the id parameter. This injection occurs during the processing of requests to index.php, where the component accepts user input and incorporates it into database operations without appropriate validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses, and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The component's reliance on dynamic query construction based on user input creates a direct pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially allowing full database access and manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, unauthorized database modifications, privilege escalation, and potential system compromise. Successful exploitation could result in complete database corruption, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and the potential for attackers to establish persistent access points within the Joomla installations, as it demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the exposure of sensitive information through unauthorized database access. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this weakness from outside the network perimeter without requiring local system access or credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0702 must include immediate patching of the Phoca Documentation component to version 2.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes for input validation and query sanitization. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures, including parameterized queries, proper escaping of special characters, and strict validation of user-supplied data before database processing. Network security controls such as web application firewalls should be deployed to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts targeting the affected component. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components and ensure proper security configurations. The remediation process must also include monitoring for exploitation attempts and implementing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential successful attacks. Organizations should follow security best practices outlined in standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for web application security to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles and maintain robust security postures against evolving threats.