CVE-2010-3028 in Aardvertiser
Summary
by MITRE
The Aardvertiser component before 2.2.1 for Joomla! uses insecure permissions (777) in unspecified folders, which allows local users to modify, create, or delete certain files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3028 affects the Aardvertiser component for Joomla! versions prior to 2.2.1, presenting a critical security risk through improper file system permissions. This issue stems from the component's failure to implement proper access controls, specifically utilizing world-writable permissions of 777 on unspecified folders within the application's directory structure. The insecure permissions create a fundamental flaw in the component's security architecture, allowing any local user with system access to manipulate critical files within the affected directories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of weak file system permissions that grant read, write, and execute privileges to all users on the system. When directories are configured with 777 permissions, they become accessible to any user account, effectively bypassing the intended access controls and privilege separation mechanisms. This configuration violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface where malicious actors can modify, create, or delete files without proper authorization. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Aardvertiser component's folder structure, though the exact directories are not specified in the description, indicating a broader scope of potential exposure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Joomla installation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, which specifically addresses the assignment of incorrect permissions to critical system resources. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates an environment where unauthorized access to system resources becomes trivial. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under privilege escalation techniques, particularly relevant to T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1548.1: Valid Accounts, as local users can leverage the insecure permissions to gain elevated access to system resources. Organizations implementing this vulnerable component face heightened risk of data breaches, application compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3028 require immediate remediation through updating to Aardvertiser version 2.2.1 or later, which addresses the insecure permissions issue. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of file system permissions across all Joomla! installations to identify and correct similar vulnerabilities. The recommended approach involves implementing restrictive file permissions, typically 644 for files and 755 for directories, ensuring that only authorized users possess write access to critical system components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized permission changes and establish regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities across their entire software ecosystem.