CVE-2011-2710 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Joomla! before 1.7.0 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the URI to includes/application.php, reachable through index.php; and, when Internet Explorer or Konqueror is used, (2) allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the searchword parameter in a search action to index.php in the com_search component. NOTE: vector 2 exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2011-2509.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-2710 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Joomla framework, creating a complex threat landscape for administrators and users alike. The presence of two distinct attack paths highlights how security patches can sometimes introduce new vulnerabilities or fail to address all potential entry points, as evidenced by the note referencing CVE-2011-2509.5, which indicates that this issue stems from an incomplete remediation effort.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary methods that leverage different aspects of the Joomla! application architecture. The first vector targets the includes/application.php file, which is accessed through the index.php entry point, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute within the context of other users' browsers. This particular attack path demonstrates how core application files can become vulnerable when proper input sanitization is not consistently applied throughout the codebase. The second attack vector specifically targets the com_search component, where the searchword parameter becomes a conduit for XSS attacks when used with Internet Explorer or Konqueror browsers. This browser-specific targeting reveals how different rendering engines can create unique exploitation opportunities that may not be apparent during general security testing.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2710 extends beyond simple script injection, as successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and the execution of malicious commands on affected systems. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to redirect users to malicious websites, steal sensitive information, or even take control of user sessions. The fact that this vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.7.0 indicates that it was present in a significant portion of Joomla! installations, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that had not yet upgraded their systems. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple attack vectors also suggests that organizations implementing only partial security measures may still remain vulnerable to exploitation.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack patterns referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework would categorize this under the T1059.007 technique for Scripting, where adversaries use web-based scripting to execute malicious code. The incomplete fix mentioned in the CVE description also demonstrates how security remediation can sometimes create new attack surfaces or fail to address the root cause of vulnerabilities, a common issue in complex software ecosystems. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and regular security audits to prevent similar issues from occurring in their web applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing, particularly when addressing security patches, and the necessity of maintaining current software versions to protect against known exploits.