CVE-2015-7899 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
The com_content component in Joomla! 3.x before 3.4.5 does not properly check ACLs, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7899 affects the com_content component within Joomla! versions 3.x prior to 3.4.5, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of the content management system. This issue stems from insufficient implementation of Access Control List checks within the component's architecture, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security boundaries. The vulnerability manifests through unspecified vectors that exploit the component's failure to properly validate user permissions before granting access to sensitive content or functionality.
The technical flaw resides in the component's inadequate validation of user privileges and roles when processing requests for content management operations. This weakness allows unauthenticated or low-privileged users to potentially access restricted areas of the administration interface or retrieve confidential data that should only be available to authorized personnel. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring prior authentication or specific user context, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where content creators and administrators share the same platform. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor mechanism within the component's permission system that permits unauthorized information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain deeper insights into the system's structure and potentially escalate their privileges. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to discover sensitive information including but not limited to user credentials, system configurations, and internal content structures that could facilitate subsequent attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation capability means that even users with minimal privileges could access content that should remain restricted, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized modifications, or complete system compromise depending on the scope of accessible functionality. This represents a significant deviation from the expected security boundaries defined by the Joomla! access control model.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7899 primarily involve upgrading to Joomla platform.