CVE-2010-4977 in Com Canteen
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in menu.php in the Canteen (com_canteen) component 1.0 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the mealid parameter to index.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The CVE-2010-4977 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Canteen component version 1.0 for Joomla site. The component in question is part of the Canteen module designed for meal management, which suggests that the vulnerability could be exploited to access sensitive user data, modify database records, or potentially escalate privileges within the application environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing SQL syntax within the mealid parameter value. The application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing the attacker to inject additional SQL commands that execute with the privileges of the database user. This injection can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization practices, where the application assumes all input is trustworthy and directly incorporates it into SQL statements. From an operational perspective, this flaw creates significant risk for organizations using Joomla! platforms with the vulnerable Canteen component, as it provides an entry point for data breaches and system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to establish persistent access or deploy additional malicious payloads within the compromised environment.
Organizations affected by CVE-2010-4977 should implement immediate mitigations to protect their Joomla! installations. The most effective approach involves applying the vendor-supplied security patches or upgrading to patched versions of the Canteen component. When patches are unavailable, input validation and parameterized queries should be implemented as temporary measures to prevent the vulnerability from being exploited. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns targeting the affected parameter. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls can provide an additional layer of protection by filtering malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable application. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing and code review practices, particularly for web applications handling user input. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other components or applications within their infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, emphasizing the need for robust application security controls. Regular security audits and keeping all web applications updated with the latest security patches remain essential defensive measures against such exploitation vectors.