CVE-2015-6919 in googleSearch Component
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the googleSearch (CSE) (com_googlesearch_cse) component 3.0.2 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the q parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2019
The CVE-2015-6919 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Google Search Engine (CSE) component for Joomla! version 3.0.2, classified under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This vulnerability exists in the googleSearch component's handling of user input through the q parameter in the index.php file, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of affected web applications. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing script code within the q parameter of the search query. When the vulnerable component processes this input without proper sanitization, the injected code becomes part of the dynamic HTML response generated by the web application. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability specifically affects the component's search functionality where user queries are directly reflected in the application's output without adequate security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6919 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the compromised application to target multiple users simultaneously. Attackers can craft payloads that persist across user sessions or manipulate the application's behavior to redirect users to phishing sites. This vulnerability particularly affects Joomla! websites that rely on the Google CSE component for search functionality, potentially compromising thousands of users who interact with the affected search interface. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers need only access to the target website's search functionality to exploit it, making it highly dangerous in environments where user interaction is common.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6919 should focus on immediate patching of the affected component to version 3.0.3 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation that filters or escapes special characters in search queries before processing them. The implementation of Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting XSS vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of the Joomla! platform, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate credential access and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.