CVE-2010-1479 in Com Rokmodule
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the RokModule (com_rokmodule) component 1.1 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the moduleid parameter in a raw action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2025
The CVE-2010-1479 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the RokModule component version 1.1 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the com_rokmodule component which is a popular module management system used to display dynamic content on Joomla websites. The flaw exists in how the application processes user input through the moduleid parameter within the raw action of the index.php file. When an attacker crafts malicious input containing SQL commands and submits it through this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before incorporating it into database queries. This lack of input validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations and execute unauthorized commands. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to perform arbitrary SQL operations without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise Joomla installations. The attack vector specifically leverages the raw action parameter which is typically used to deliver module content directly to users, making it a common entry point for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the RokModule component's code structure. When a request is made to index.php with the raw action and a moduleid parameter, the application directly incorporates this parameter into SQL queries without adequate sanitization. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is concatenated or embedded into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability manifests when the moduleid parameter contains SQL syntax that alters the intended query execution flow, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even gain administrative access to the underlying database system. The attack requires minimal sophistication as it only requires crafting a specific SQL payload and submitting it through the vulnerable parameter, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation across numerous Joomla installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1479 extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation, as it can enable complete system compromise and persistent access to affected Joomla installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, sensitive configuration data, and other valuable information stored within the database. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the server or knowledge of internal network structures. This characteristic makes it particularly dangerous for organizations running multiple Joomla sites, as a single compromised installation can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1213.002 for data from information repositories, demonstrating how such flaws can be used to establish persistent access and exfiltrate valuable data from compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1479 require immediate action from system administrators and security teams to protect affected Joomla installations. The primary and most effective mitigation involves upgrading to a patched version of the RokModule component, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases that properly implement input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting the affected parameter. Input validation measures including whitelisting acceptable moduleid values and implementing proper escaping mechanisms should be enforced at the application level. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that the application's database accounts have minimal required privileges, following the principle of least privilege. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the Joomla ecosystem, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor input handling issues can create significant security risks. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing site functionality while maintaining robust protection against similar vulnerabilities.