CVE-2010-2678 in Com Xmap
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in xmap (com_xmap) component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Itemid parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2018
The CVE-2010-2678 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the xmap component of Joomla! CMS versions prior to 1.5.24 and 1.6.0. This vulnerability specifically targets the com_xmap component which is used for generating xml sitemaps for websites built on the Joomla platform. The flaw resides in how the component processes the Itemid parameter through the index.php entry point, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the Itemid parameter in the url to include malicious sql payloads. The xmap component fails to properly sanitize or validate this input parameter before incorporating it into sql queries executed against the underlying database. This lack of input validation creates a direct pathway for sql injection attacks where attackers can construct malicious queries that bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected Joomla installation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core sitemap generation functionality that many websites rely on for search engine optimization and site navigation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Joomla installations. Organizations with multiple websites using this component face cascading security risks if any single site is compromised.
Security mitigations for CVE-2010-2678 primarily focus on immediate remediation through official Joomla versions 1.5.24 or 1.6.0 and later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. System administrators should also implement web application firewalls with sql injection detection capabilities and monitor database access logs for suspicious activities. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Joomla! installations to identify and remediate any other components that may be vulnerable to similar injection attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection flaws, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to remote code execution and data compromise. The attack vector follows typical ATT&CK techniques for credential access and execution through web application vulnerabilities, making it a significant concern for organizations maintaining web-based content management systems.