CVE-2015-7858 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Joomla! 3.2 before 3.4.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-7297.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The CVE-2015-7858 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in Joomla for content management and user interaction. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's database query construction mechanisms, creating an attack surface where malicious SQL code can be injected through various entry points.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied input within Joomla!'s database interaction layers, where parameters are directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that alters the intended SQL query structure, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be triggered through multiple vectors including form submissions, URL parameters, or API endpoints that process user input. This weakness aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations using affected Joomla! versions, as it enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the database. The potential consequences include data breaches, unauthorized modifications to website content, user credential theft, and possible system compromise leading to full administrative control. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and financial losses due to the unauthorized access and potential data exfiltration.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Joomla! version 3.4.4 or later, which contains patches addressing this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious SQL injection attempts, implement proper input validation at all entry points, and conduct regular security assessments of their web applications. The mitigation strategy should also include monitoring database logs for unusual query patterns and implementing least privilege database access controls. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping content management systems updated and highlights the critical need for proper input sanitization techniques as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks and ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for SQL injection attacks, emphasizing the persistent threat that unpatched web application vulnerabilities pose to modern digital infrastructures.