CVE-2010-0946 in Com Ksadvertiser
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) Software Advertiser (com_ksadvertiser) component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the pid parameter in a showcats action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0946 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Keep It Simple Stupid Software Advertiser component for Joomla component architecture, where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the pid parameter in the index.php file during a showcats action request. The component fails to properly sanitize or validate the incoming pid value before incorporating it into database queries, creating a direct pathway for SQL injection attacks. This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, representing one of the most prevalent and dangerous categories of web application vulnerabilities. The attack vector operates entirely through HTTP requests, making it accessible to remote threat actors without requiring physical access to the system or prior authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing potential complete system compromise and unauthorized database manipulation. Attackers can leverage the SQL injection to perform read operations on sensitive tables containing user credentials, configuration data, or business-critical information. The vulnerability also permits write operations that could lead to data corruption, unauthorized account creation, or even the complete destruction of database content. Organizations running affected Joomla! installations become vulnerable to persistent threats where attackers can establish backdoors or maintain long-term access to the compromised systems. The implications are particularly severe for web applications that rely heavily on database-driven content management, as this vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a direct interface to manipulate the core data store. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which describes the use of application layer protocols to conduct data manipulation attacks, and T1190 which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications through SQL injection methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0946 require immediate action to address the underlying vulnerability through proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to upgrade to the latest versions of the KISS Software Advertiser component that contain proper sanitization mechanisms. The recommended approach involves adopting prepared statements and parameterized queries for all database interactions, ensuring that user input is properly escaped or validated before being processed. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Security configurations should include regular monitoring of database logs for unusual query patterns and implementing least privilege principles for database accounts to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process must also include comprehensive testing of all input validation mechanisms to ensure that no similar vulnerabilities exist within the application's codebase, as this vulnerability represents a broader class of issues that can affect numerous web applications.