CVE-2009-2567 in Almond Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Almond Classifieds (com_aclassf) component 5.6.2 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to index.php.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The CVE-2009-2567 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Almond Classifieds component version 5.6.2 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the id parameter in the index.php file, creating an exploitable entry point that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the component's code implementation, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious SQL payloads through user-controlled parameters.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a common weakness in web applications where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The attack vector operates through the standard HTTP request mechanism where an attacker can manipulate the id parameter to inject malicious SQL syntax that bypasses normal input filtering. When the vulnerable component processes this parameter, it concatenates the user input directly into SQL query strings, creating an environment where database commands can be executed with the privileges of the web application's database user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing data integrity compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential complete system takeover. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract confidential data including user credentials, personal information, and business-sensitive records from the database. The attack can also enable privilege escalation within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to modify or delete critical data. Furthermore, the vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for additional attacks within the network infrastructure, as database access often provides attackers with valuable information for further exploitation.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Joomla! platforms are widely deployed across various organizations, making this vulnerability attractive to automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers. Organizations running affected versions of the Almond Classifieds component face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to compromise systems, increasing the attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected component to the latest version that addresses the SQL injection vulnerability, along with implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in all database interactions. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Additionally, database access should be restricted to minimum required privileges, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust security controls throughout the application development lifecycle.