CVE-2010-4938 in Com Weblinks
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Weblinks (com_weblinks) component in Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the Itemid parameter in a categories action to index.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The CVE-2010-4938 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Weblinks component of Joomla! CMS version 1.5.0 through 1.5.12. This vulnerability specifically targets the Itemid parameter in the categories action of the index.php script, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute unauthorized sql commands against the underlying database. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the component's parameter handling mechanism, allowing malicious users to inject sql payloads that bypass normal security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious url containing specially formatted Itemid parameter values that manipulate the sql query execution flow. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a severe weakness in application security, specifically targeting the improper handling of user-supplied data in sql contexts. This allows attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, deletion, and potentially gaining administrative access to the application. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate categories action which would normally be accessed by authorized users, making detection more difficult.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise as it enables attackers to escalate privileges and gain full control over the affected Joomla versions within the specified range, creating widespread exposure across numerous websites that rely on this content management system. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4938 require immediate patching of affected Joomla! installations to version 1.5.13 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement input validation measures including parameterized queries and proper sql escaping techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious url patterns and sql injection attempts, while web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping content management systems updated and following secure coding practices that prevent user input from directly influencing sql query execution paths. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential sql injection points within their web applications and ensure proper database access controls are implemented to limit the damage from successful attacks.