CVE-2010-2845 in Com Quickfaq
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the QuickFAQ (com_quickfaq) component 1.0.3 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Itemid parameter in a category action to index.php.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2025
The CVE-2010-2845 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the QuickFAQ component version 1.0.3 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the component's handling of user input through the Itemid parameter during category actions, creating an exploitable pathway for remote attackers to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the component's code structure, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input through the Itemid parameter in url requests directed to the index.php endpoint. The QuickFAQ component fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions, enabling attackers to manipulate the intended query execution flow. This flaw falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly embedded into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates within a widely used content management system framework, providing attackers with access to potentially sensitive data stored within the joomla! database.
Operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to extract confidential information including user credentials, database schemas, and application configuration details. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized operations such as adding new users, modifying existing records, deleting critical data, or even escalating privileges to gain full administrative control over the affected joomla! installation. According to the attack technique framework, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1190 which addresses exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2845 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. System administrators should prioritize updating the QuickFAQ component to a patched version that properly sanitizes user input and employs prepared statements for all database interactions. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation routines that filter out potentially malicious characters and patterns before processing user data. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious sql injection attempts, while also establishing proper database access controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within other components of the joomla! platform.