CVE-2014-9102 in Kunena
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the Kunena component before 3.0.6 for Joomla! allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the index value in an array parameter, as demonstrated by the topics[] parameter in an unfavorite action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9102 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Kunena component for Joomla! platforms prior to version 3.0.6. This security weakness resides in the component's handling of user input parameters, specifically targeting the index value within array parameters. The vulnerability manifests when authenticated users leverage the topics[] parameter during an unfavorite action directed at index.php, enabling them to inject malicious SQL commands into the underlying database system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated user account within the Joomla! environment, which significantly reduces the attack surface compared to fully unauthenticated exploits. However, the impact remains severe as authenticated users typically possess elevated privileges and can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability occurs due to improper sanitization of the topics[] array parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or parameter binding mechanisms. This allows maliciously crafted array indices to be interpreted as SQL syntax rather than simple data values, effectively bypassing the application's intended security controls and database access restrictions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Joomla! websites utilizing the Kunena component, particularly those hosting forums with sensitive user data, discussion threads, or community content. Attackers could potentially extract confidential information from the database, modify or delete forum content, escalate privileges within the application, or even compromise the entire web server if the database credentials are not properly isolated. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates through legitimate user actions, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected for extended periods while conducting their malicious activities.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Kunena version 3.0.6 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation flaws. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls with SQL injection detection capabilities and conduct comprehensive security audits of all Joomla! extensions to identify similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, while the CWE classification of 89 provides clear guidance on prevention through proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and maintain regular backup procedures to ensure rapid recovery in case of successful attacks.