CVE-2010-4838 in Com Jsupport
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the JSupport (com_jsupport) component 1.5.6 for Joomla! allows remote authenticated users, with Public Back-end permissions, to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the alpha parameter in a (1) listTickets or (2) listFaqs action to administrator/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2025
The CVE-2010-4838 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the JSupport component version 1.5.6 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the component's handling of user input through the alpha parameter in two distinct administrative actions. The flaw exists in the backend interface where authenticated users with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the database system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands directly against the underlying database, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The attack vector requires only a user with Public Back-end permissions, which is often granted to registered users or those with basic access rights, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where such permissions are not properly restricted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the JSupport component's backend processing logic. When the alpha parameter is passed through the listTickets or listFaqs actions in administrator/index.php, the component fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql queries. This lack of proper parameter sanitization creates an environment where malicious input can be interpreted as sql commands rather than simple data values. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web application interfaces, making it particularly accessible to attackers who may not possess advanced technical skills.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate, modify, or delete database records with full administrative privileges. Successful exploitation could result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract sensitive user information, modify content management system configurations, or even establish persistent backdoors within the Joomla installations with the vulnerable JSupport component face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to the exposure of sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4838 should include immediate patching of the JSupport component to version 1.5.7 or later, which contains the necessary sql injection防护 mechanisms. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and parameter sanitization at multiple layers of the application architecture, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before database interaction. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the privileges of users with Public Back-end permissions, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar weaknesses in other components of their Joomla! installations. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activity and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.