CVE-2014-6631 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in com_media in Joomla! 3.2.x before 3.2.5 and 3.3.x before 3.3.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2022
The CVE-2014-6631 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Joomla! content management systems affecting versions 3.2.x prior to 3.2.5 and 3.3.x prior to 3.3.4. This vulnerability specifically targets the com_media component which serves as a core media management interface within the Joomla framework. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts on victim browsers through unspecified attack vectors that manipulate user input handling within the media component. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This particular vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which involves the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code in user browsers.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the com_media component's handling of user-supplied data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that get executed when other users view media files or interact with the affected component. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. The unspecified vectors suggest that the attack could occur through multiple entry points including file uploads, URL parameters, or direct input fields within the media management interface. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack surfaces within the same component.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6631 is severe for Joomla! administrators and end users who rely on the platform for content management. Successful exploitation allows attackers to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, and potentially gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The vulnerability affects any user who views media content through the compromised Joomla installation, making it a widespread threat across all user roles. Organizations using affected Joomla versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations. The attack vector's remote nature means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. This vulnerability can be leveraged as part of larger attack campaigns targeting web applications, often serving as an initial access point for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6631 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Joomla installations to versions 3.2.5 or 3.3.4, which contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures such as input validation, output encoding, and regular security audits of web applications. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability is fully resolved without introducing regressions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional layers of protection. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability assessment procedures should be established to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other components of the Joomla installation. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security practices as outlined in industry standards such as those provided by the OWASP Foundation and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.