CVE-2012-3554 in Com Rsgallery2
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the RSGallery2 (com_rsgallery2) component before 2.3.0 for Joomla! 1.5.x, and before 3.2.0 for Joomla! 2.5.x, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2018
The CVE-2012-3554 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the RSGallery2 component for Joomla 1.5.x and 3.2.0 for Joomla
content management frameworks. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands through unspecified input vectors, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1190 - exploit public-facing application, as it targets web applications accessible from external networks. The RSGallery2 component was widely deployed across Joomla! installations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could affect numerous web properties simultaneously.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the RSGallery2 component's database query construction mechanisms. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting malicious sql payloads that bypass normal input filters and are directly incorporated into database queries executed by the application. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple input parameters within the component could serve as entry points for exploitation, including but not limited to gallery identifiers, user inputs, or parameter values passed through http requests. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution within the database context, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even gain administrative control over the affected Joomla! installations. This flaw represents a classic sql injection vulnerability where user-controllable input directly influences sql command structure without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3554 extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Successful exploitation could result in data exfiltration from sensitive databases, including user credentials, personal information, and business data. Organizations running vulnerable Joomla! installations were at risk of unauthorized access to their entire content management infrastructure, potentially leading to service disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and significant financial losses. The vulnerability's scope was particularly concerning given that RSGallery2 was a commonly used component, meaning that attackers could target numerous websites simultaneously. The exploitation could also facilitate further attacks within the network, as compromised database credentials might be used to access other systems or escalate privileges within the application environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3554 require immediate action to upgrade affected installations to patched versions of the RSGallery2 component. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms and adopt parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities in their applications. The fix involves updating to RSGallery2 versions 2.3.0 for Joomla 2.5.x, which include proper sanitization of user inputs and robust sql query construction methods. Additionally, security measures should include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts, conducting regular security audits of third-party components, and maintaining updated security patches for all installed software. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while regular database monitoring can detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the owasp top ten project, which specifically addresses sql injection as one of the most critical web application security risks.