CVE-2016-1000271 in DT Register Extension
Summary
by MITRE
Joomla extension DT Register version before 3.1.12 (Joomla 3.x) / 2.8.18 (Joomla 2.5) contains an SQL injection in "/index.php?controller=calendar&format=raw&cat[0]=SQLi&task=events". This attack appears to be exploitable if the attacker can reach the web server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1000271 affects the DT Register extension for Joomla content management systems, specifically targeting versions prior to 3.1.12 for Joomla 3.x and 2.8.18 for Joomla 2.5. This security flaw resides within the calendar component of the extension and represents a critical SQL injection vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability manifests through a specific URL parameter structure that allows malicious input to be processed directly into database queries without proper sanitization or validation. The attack vector requires the attacker to have network access to the vulnerable web server, making it exploitable in scenarios where the server is publicly accessible or when attackers can reach internal systems through network traversal techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the calendar controller of the DT Register extension. When the web application processes the request containing the parameter controller=calendar and format=raw, it fails to adequately sanitize the cat[0] parameter value before incorporating it into SQL queries. This weakness directly maps to CWE-89, which defines SQL injection as the improper handling of untrusted data in SQL commands, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. The vulnerability specifically affects the task=events parameter processing, where the calendar component fails to implement proper parameter binding or input filtering mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this by injecting malicious SQL code through the cat[0] parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database contents, executing arbitrary commands, or even escalating privileges within the application's database context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to perform complete database compromise operations. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of sensitive information stored within the Joomla database. The vulnerability affects not only the extension's calendar functionality but potentially the entire Joomla installation if proper database security measures are not in place. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract user credentials, personal information, or other sensitive data stored in the database. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the Joomla installation contains administrative user accounts or sensitive business data, as the SQL injection could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to critical system components. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046, representing network service discovery, as attackers may use this vulnerability to map and exploit database services within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the DT Register extension to versions 3.1.12 or later for Joomla 3.x installations, and 2.8.18 or later for Joomla 2.5 systems. Organizations should also implement web application firewall rules to block malicious input patterns targeting the specific URL structure mentioned in the vulnerability. Database access controls should be reviewed and hardened to limit the privileges of the application's database user accounts, following the principle of least privilege. Input validation should be strengthened at the application level to ensure all user-supplied data undergoes proper sanitization before being processed by database queries. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other third-party extensions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns or SQL injection attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts against this or similar vulnerabilities.