CVE-2016-15016 in joomla_mod_einsatz_stats
Summary
by MITRE • 01/09/2023
A vulnerability was found in mrtnmtth joomla_mod_einsatz_stats up to 0.2. It has been classified as critical. This affects the function getStatsByType of the file helper.php. The manipulation of the argument year leads to sql injection. Upgrading to version 0.3 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is 27c1b443cff45c81d9d7d926a74c76f8b6ffc6cb. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier VDB-217653 was assigned to this vulnerability.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-15016 represents a critical sql injection flaw in the mrtnmtth joomla_mod_einsatz_stats module version 0.2 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the helper.php file, specifically in the getStatsByType function where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate the year parameter. The module is designed to display emergency service statistics on joomla-based websites, making it a potential target for malicious actors seeking to exploit the underlying database infrastructure. The sql injection vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input from the year argument is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization, creating a pathway for unauthorized database access and potential data exfiltration.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns documented in CWE-89, which classifies sql injection as a critical weakness in software applications. Attackers can manipulate the year parameter to inject malicious sql code that bypasses authentication mechanisms, extracts sensitive data, modifies database records, or even executes arbitrary commands on the underlying database server. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects a widely used joomla module, potentially exposing numerous websites to coordinated attacks. The specific nature of the flaw allows for parameter manipulation that directly influences sql query execution flow, making it particularly dangerous for applications that rely on user input for database operations.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using affected joomla installations, as it can lead to complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack surface is broad since the module is commonly deployed across emergency service websites, government portals, and public information systems where data integrity and confidentiality are paramount. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for widespread exploitation and severe data breaches that could compromise personal information, operational data, and sensitive emergency service records. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences from data exposure resulting from this vulnerability.
The recommended remediation strategy involves upgrading to version 0.3 of the mrtnmtth joomla_mod_einsatz_stats module, which addresses the sql injection flaw through proper input validation and parameterized query construction. The patch identified by commit hash 27c1b443cff45c81d9d7d926a74c76f8b6ffc6cb implements necessary code modifications to sanitize user input before database processing. Security best practices dictate that organizations should also implement additional protective measures including input validation at multiple layers, database query parameterization, and regular security audits of third-party components. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected module and ensure proper patch deployment across their joomla installations. The remediation process should include thorough testing to verify that the upgrade does not introduce compatibility issues while maintaining the module's intended functionality and data display capabilities.