CVE-2011-5112 in Com Alameda
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Alameda (com_alameda) component before 1.0.1 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the storeid parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The CVE-2011-5112 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the com_alameda component of Joomla! CMS versions prior to 1.0.1. This vulnerability resides in the storeid parameter handling within the index.php file, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system. The flaw demonstrates a classic input validation failure where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input filtering and validation within the com_alameda component's parameter processing logic. When the storeid parameter is passed to index.php, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into sql statements. This design flaw allows malicious actors to inject sql payload through crafted storeid values that manipulate the intended database query execution flow. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is used to construct sql queries without proper sanitization.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities that can result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and potential system takeover. Attackers can leverage this flaw to retrieve sensitive information from database tables, modify or delete critical data, and potentially establish persistent access through database user privilege escalation. The vulnerability affects all Joomla! installations using the vulnerable com_alameda component, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple sites share common database infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (exploitation for lateral movement) and T1078 (valid accounts) as attackers can exploit the compromised database to gain unauthorized access to additional system resources.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5112 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected Joomla! installations to version 1.0.1 or later where the vulnerability has been resolved. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation measures including parameterized queries, proper sql escaping, and whitelist-based input filtering to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers by detecting and blocking sql injection attempts targeting the affected parameter. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential sql injection vulnerabilities within the application stack. The remediation process should also include disabling or removing the vulnerable com_alameda component if it is not essential for business operations, following the principle of least privilege in application configuration management.