CVE-2010-3712 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Joomla! 1.5.x before 1.5.21 and 1.6.x before 1.6.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving "multiple encoded entities," as demonstrated by the query string to index.php in the com_weblinks or com_content component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2019
The CVE-2010-3712 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Joomla 1.5.x installations before version 1.5.21 and 1.6.x versions before 1.6.1, creating a significant security risk for web applications that rely on these older releases. The flaw manifests through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied data, particularly within the query string parameters of specific components.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through multiple encoded entities within the web application's request handling process. Attackers can manipulate the query string parameters sent to index.php within the com_weblinks or com_content components to inject malicious scripts or HTML content. This method of exploitation leverages the weakness in Joomla!'s input sanitization routines where encoded characters are not properly decoded and validated before being processed or displayed. The vulnerability specifically targets the way the application handles encoded entities in URL parameters, allowing attackers to bypass standard security filters that would normally block malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browser session. This capability allows for session hijacking, credential theft, and the potential for more sophisticated attacks such as phishing or malware distribution. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can compromise user accounts, manipulate application behavior, and potentially provide attackers with persistent access to affected systems. The widespread use of Joomla! in web applications means that numerous websites could be vulnerable to this attack vector, particularly those running outdated versions of the CMS.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes Cross-site Scripting flaws in software applications. The attack pattern demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's web application exploitation techniques, specifically targeting input validation weaknesses in web frameworks. Organizations should immediately implement the recommended patch updates to Joomla! version 1.5.21 or 1.6.1, which contain the necessary fixes for proper input sanitization. Additional mitigations include implementing proper web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and ensuring comprehensive input validation across all user-supplied data within web applications. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and demonstrates how seemingly minor input handling flaws can create significant security risks in widely deployed web platforms.