CVE-2009-4573 in Mod Joomulus
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Joomulus (mod_joomulus) module 2.0 for Joomla! allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the tagcloud parameter in a tags action to (1) tagcloud_ell.swf, (2) tagcloud_eng.swf, (3) tagcloud_por.swf, (4) tagcloud_rus.swf, and possibly (5) tagcloud_jpn.swf. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2017
The CVE-2009-4573 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the Joomulus module version 2.0 for Joomla module, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of authenticated users' browsers. This flaw falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is a fundamental web application security weakness that enables attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the tagcloud parameter in the tags action to inject malicious web script or HTML content. The affected flash files serve as execution vectors where user-supplied input is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered in the browser context. When a victim accesses a page containing the vulnerable module, the injected scripts execute in their browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it affects multiple language versions of the tagcloud functionality, suggesting a systemic issue within the module's input handling rather than isolated component failures. The attack vector requires no special privileges beyond normal user access to the vulnerable Joomla! website, making it particularly dangerous for administrators and regular users alike.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4573 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive user data and session information. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to steal user authentication tokens, modify content, or redirect victims to phishing sites designed to capture credentials. The vulnerability affects the entire Joomla installations that have not been properly updated or patched. The attack surface is particularly concerning because tagcloud functionality is commonly used for content display and user engagement, making the exploitation more likely to occur during normal website usage patterns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4573 require immediate action to address the underlying security flaw through proper input validation and sanitization. Administrators should upgrade to patched versions of the Joomulus module or remove the vulnerable component entirely from their Joomla extensions and components. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, ensuring that the fix addresses not only the immediate vulnerability but also strengthens overall application security posture. Given the nature of the flaw, it is essential that all Joomla! installations undergo thorough security testing to verify that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the platform.