CVE-2009-4784 in Com Joaktree
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Joaktree (com_joaktree) component 1.0 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the treeId parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The CVE-2009-4784 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Joaktree component version 1.0 for Joomla websites that utilize this specific component. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious SQL commands through the vulnerable parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Joaktree component's codebase. When the treeId parameter is processed without proper escaping or parameterization, the application fails to distinguish between legitimate user input and malicious SQL code. This lack of input sanitization creates an exploitable condition where attackers can craft SQL injection payloads that bypass normal authentication mechanisms and directly interact with the database backend. The vulnerability specifically affects the component's ability to handle user-supplied identifiers, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the context of a widely used content management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable full database compromise and potentially lead to complete system takeover. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary SQL commands, which may include SELECT statements to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, database schema details, or confidential content. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system or prior authentication, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications. Additionally, the attack can be automated and scaled, allowing for mass exploitation across multiple vulnerable Joomla! installations.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper output encoding to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves updating to the latest version of the Joaktree component, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security audits of all Joomla! installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely updates of all third-party components within their web applications.