CVE-2016-10379 in com_virtuemart Component
Summary
by MITRE
The VirtueMart com_virtuemart component 3.0.14 for Joomla! allows SQL injection by remote authenticated administrators via the virtuemart_paymentmethod_id or virtuemart_shipmentmethod_id parameter to administrator/index.php.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10379 affects the VirtueMart com_virtuemart component version 3.0.14 within the Joomla! content management system. This represents a critical security flaw that specifically targets authenticated administrator accounts, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious SQL commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the component's administrative interface, where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical flaw manifests through the manipulation of two specific parameters: virtuemart_paymentmethod_id and virtuemart_shipmentmethod_id within the administrator/index.php endpoint. When an authenticated administrator accesses this endpoint with maliciously crafted input in either of these parameters, the component fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. This oversight creates a classic SQL injection vulnerability that allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized privilege escalation within the Joomla! environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate payment and shipment methods within the e-commerce platform, potentially enabling fraudulent transactions or service disruption. Given that the vulnerability requires authentication, it primarily affects organizations where administrator credentials may have been compromised through other means such as credential stuffing, phishing attacks, or weak password policies. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates within the legitimate administrative interface, making it difficult to detect through standard network monitoring techniques.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest version of the VirtueMart component, which addresses the input validation issues. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit the impact of potential credential compromise. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and conducting regular security audits of administrator privileges can significantly reduce the risk exposure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a technique commonly catalogued in the ATT&CK framework under the T1078 credential access tactic, where adversaries leverage valid accounts to gain deeper system access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation even within administrative interfaces where users are already authenticated, as the principle of least privilege must be maintained even for trusted accounts.