CVE-2015-4654 in EQ Event Calendar
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the EQ Event Calendar component for Joomla! allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to eqfullevent.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2019
The CVE-2015-4654 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the EQ Event Calendar component for Joomla! platforms, exposing systems to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the eqfullevent script where the id parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database query execution flow, potentially compromising the entire underlying database infrastructure. Such vulnerabilities fall under the common weakness enumeration category of CWE-89 sql injection, which is classified as a serious security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it exploitable by any remote attacker who can craft malicious requests to the vulnerable component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the EQ Event Calendar component where user-supplied input from the id parameter is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper escaping or parameterization. When an attacker submits a malicious id value containing sql payload characters such as single quotes, semicolons, or union select statements, the application fails to sanitize this input before executing it against the database backend. This lack of input validation creates an exploitable condition where attackers can manipulate the intended query behavior to extract unauthorized data, modify database contents, or even gain administrative access to the underlying system. The vulnerability specifically targets the eqfullevent endpoint, which serves as the primary interface for displaying full event details in the calendar component, making it a high-value target for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4654 extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Successful exploitation allows attackers to retrieve sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details stored within the database. The vulnerability can also enable attackers to escalate privileges within the application, potentially leading to full administrative control over the Joomla with the EQ Event Calendar component, as these systems often contain sensitive organizational data and may serve as entry points for broader network infiltration attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4654 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization measures that validate and filter all user-supplied parameters before processing them in database operations. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql command structure from data values, effectively preventing malicious input from altering query execution paths. System administrators must also apply the latest security patches provided by the Joomla! development team and component maintainers to address this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection attempts, configuring proper database user permissions to limit potential damage from successful attacks, and conducting regular security audits of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to the principle of least privilege as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including the nist cybersecurity framework and iso 27001 standards.