CVE-2011-4829 in Com Listing
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the com_listing component in Barter Sites component 1.3 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the category_id parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The CVE-2011-4829 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the com_listing component of the Barter Sites extension version 1.3 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the category_id parameter in the index.php file, creating an exploitable entry point that enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the component's parameter handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands that bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a widely used content management system and enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter validation within the com_listing component's processing logic. When the category_id parameter is passed to index.php, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into sql queries. This creates a classic sql injection scenario where attacker-controlled data can alter the intended query structure. The vulnerability maps directly to common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection flaws as weaknesses in input validation that allow malicious sql code execution. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious category_id values that contain sql payload sequences, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4829 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full database compromise and potential system infiltration. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations from the underlying database. The attack surface is particularly wide as the vulnerability affects the core joomla framework components that many websites rely upon for their listing and categorization functionality. Additionally, successful exploitation can lead to persistent backdoor access, data corruption, and service disruption that can compromise the entire web application infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under the category of sql injection attacks that target web application input validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4829 require immediate implementation of input validation and parameterized queries to prevent malicious data injection. System administrators should implement proper input sanitization routines that validate and escape all user-supplied parameters before database processing. The recommended approach includes upgrading to patched versions of the Barter Sites component, applying security patches from joomla's official repositories, and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection attempts. Security monitoring should include database query logging and anomaly detection to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components within their joomla installations and establish regular security maintenance procedures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.