CVE-2012-4532 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in modules/mod_languages/tmpl/default.php in the Language Switcher module for Joomla! 2.5.x before 2.5.7 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO to index.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2021
The CVE-2012-4532 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Joomla! 2.5.x versions prior to 2.5.7, specifically within the Language Switcher module. This vulnerability resides in the default.php template file located at modules/mod_languages/tmpl/default.php, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit web application security weaknesses. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code through manipulation of the PATH_INFO parameter in the index.php script, demonstrating a classic XSS attack vector that can compromise user sessions and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the language switcher module. When Joomla! processes requests through the PATH_INFO parameter, it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in the web page context. This oversight creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability specifically affects the default.php template which handles language switching functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the core CMS infrastructure. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed through simple URL manipulation, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when visited by unsuspecting users, execute scripts designed to steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even modify website content. The vulnerability affects all Joomla at the time, this vulnerability presented a substantial risk to web application security across multiple domains and organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4532 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Joomla! installations to version 2.5.7 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input validation mechanisms and output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly in modules that handle URL parameters. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. Additionally, implementing content security policies, regular security audits, and maintaining up-to-date software versions can prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious PATH_INFO parameter usage and regular vulnerability scanning of web applications to identify and remediate similar XSS vulnerabilities across the entire infrastructure.