CVE-2011-5099 in Mod Ccnewsletter
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in helper/popup.php in the ccNewsletter (mod_ccnewsletter) component 1.0.7 through 1.0.9 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The CVE-2011-5099 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ccNewsletter component for Joomla component that typically handles user interactions and data processing, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the id parameter processing logic. When the helper/popup.php script receives the id parameter, it fails to properly validate or escape the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This oversight creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database engine, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. This weakness falls under the broader category of injection flaws that represent one of the most prevalent and dangerous security vulnerabilities in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5099 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain complete control over the database backend. Attackers might leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or system configuration details stored within the Joomla! database. The compromise of the database could also facilitate further attacks including privilege escalation, data corruption, or even complete system takeover. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service discovery, as attackers would likely use this vulnerability as part of a broader reconnaissance and exploitation campaign. The remote nature of the attack means that no local system access is required, making it particularly dangerous for web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5099 primarily focus on immediate component updates and input validation improvements. System administrators should upgrade to the latest version of the ccNewsletter component where the vulnerability has been patched. The fix typically involves implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements that separate SQL code from data inputs, thereby preventing malicious SQL injection attempts. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, though these should not be considered a substitute for proper code-level fixes. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all user inputs and implementing secure coding practices. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activities and implementing proper access controls to minimize the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts.