CVE-2009-4620 in Com Joomloc
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Joomloc (com_joomloc) component 1.0 for Joomla allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter in an edit task to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2025
The CVE-2009-4620 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Joomloc component version 1.0 for Joomla content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the edit task functionality within the com_joomloc component, where the id parameter is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into sql queries. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands directly through the web interface, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure underlying the Joomla installation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input containing sql metacharacters is passed through the id parameter in the index.php file during an edit operation. The component fails to implement proper input validation or parameterized queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the sql execution flow. When the application processes the malicious input, it executes the injected sql commands with the privileges of the database user account, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges within the database system. An attacker could potentially execute administrative sql commands, modify or delete critical data, create new user accounts with elevated privileges, or even establish backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability affects any Joomla installation running the vulnerable Joomloc component, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the system or where the component is widely deployed across different sites.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of CWE-89 sql injection, which is consistently ranked among the top ten web application security risks by the owasp foundation. The attack vector aligns with techniques described in the mitre attack framework under the execution and privilege escalation phases, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. Organizations should immediately implement input validation controls, parameterized queries, and proper output encoding to prevent such attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of regular security audits and component updates, as the affected Joomloc version 1.0 likely lacked proper security hardening measures that would have prevented the injection of malicious sql payloads.