CVE-2016-1000120 in Catalog Extension
Summary
by MITRE
SQLi and XSS in Huge IT catalog extension v1.0.4 for Joomla
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2019
The CVE-2016-1000120 vulnerability affects the Huge IT catalog extension version 1.0.4 for Joomla content management system, representing a critical security flaw that combines both SQL injection and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. This vulnerability exists within the extension's handling of user input parameters, specifically in the way it processes and executes database queries and renders user-supplied content within web pages. The vulnerability impacts Joomla installations that utilize this particular extension, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and compromise user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Huge IT catalog extension code. The SQL injection component occurs when the extension fails to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into database queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the SQL execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary database commands. This flaw aligns with CWE-89 which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, enabling attackers to extract, modify, or delete database contents. The cross-site scripting vulnerability manifests when user-supplied data is directly rendered into web pages without proper HTML encoding or sanitization, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. This XSS implementation corresponds to CWE-79 which describes improper neutralization of user-generated input data in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with multiple attack vectors that can be leveraged for progressive compromise. Successful exploitation of the SQL injection component could enable attackers to access sensitive user credentials, personal information, and administrative data stored within the Joomla database. The cross-site scripting vulnerability creates opportunities for session hijacking, defacement of web content, and the potential for more sophisticated attacks such as credential harvesting or redirection to malicious sites. Attackers could leverage these combined vulnerabilities to establish persistent access to the compromised Joomla installation, potentially using the administrative interface to further expand their control. This vulnerability also creates risk for users who may inadvertently click on malicious links or visit compromised pages, as the XSS component can execute code in their browsers without their knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1000120 should prioritize immediate patching of the Huge IT catalog extension to the latest available version that addresses these vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing or rendering. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database connections and regular security audits of third-party extensions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would be classified under T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities and T1071 for application layer protocols, with potential for lateral movement through compromised administrative access. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other installed extensions and components. The remediation process should also include user education about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and clicking on suspicious links, as the XSS component relies heavily on social engineering aspects to achieve successful exploitation.