CVE-2010-4904 in Com Aardvertiser
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Aardvertiser (com_aardvertiser) component 2.1 and 2.1.1 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_name parameter in a view action to index.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The CVE-2010-4904 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the aardvertiser component version 2.1 and 2.1.1 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability exists in the component's handling of user input parameters, specifically the cat_name parameter within the view action of index.php. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious sql commands through the vulnerable parameter, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities. The attack vector exploits the insecure direct object reference pattern where user-supplied input flows directly into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The vulnerability affects Joomla as a content management system. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to leverage this vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4904 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the database server. This capability allows for complete database enumeration, data modification, and potentially full system compromise. Attackers could extract user credentials, modify content, inject malware, or establish persistent backdoors through the compromised database. The vulnerability also aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack tree framework where sql injection serves as a foundational primitive for database-centric attacks. Organizations running affected Joomla! installations face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences from unauthorized data access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the aardvertiser component to versions that properly sanitize input parameters. System administrators should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. The recommended defense-in-depth approach includes web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious sql injection patterns, regular security audits of web applications, and comprehensive database access logging. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts, regular security updates, and maintaining up-to-date vulnerability assessments will help protect against similar attack vectors. Organizations should also consider adopting secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as owasp top ten and iso 27001 security controls to prevent future sql injection vulnerabilities in their web applications.