CVE-2018-5696 in com_adagency Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The iJoomla com_adagency plugin 6.0.9 for Joomla! allows SQL injection via the `advertiser_status` and `status_select` parameters to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5696 affects the iJoomla com_adagency plugin version 6.0.9 within the Joomla! content management system. This security flaw represents a critical SQL injection vulnerability that exposes the application to unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. The vulnerability specifically impacts the plugin's handling of user-supplied input through two distinct parameters named advertiser_status and status_select within the index.php file. These parameters are processed without adequate sanitization or validation, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into database queries. When an attacker submits malicious input through either the advertiser_status or status_select parameters, the plugin directly incorporates this unvalidated data into SQL statements without appropriate filtering mechanisms. This primitive input handling approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the underlying database operations. The vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially enabling data retrieval, modification, or deletion operations against the affected Joomla! installation's database.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5696 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can extract sensitive information including user credentials, database schemas, and potentially gain access to backend administrative interfaces. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used Joomla core. The attack surface is further expanded as the vulnerability affects not just the plugin itself but the entire Joomla! installation, potentially allowing for privilege escalation and persistent access to compromised systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in database access control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators and security teams. The primary recommendation involves updating the iJoomla com_adagency plugin to a patched version that properly sanitizes input parameters before database processing. Organizations should also implement input validation mechanisms at multiple layers including web application firewalls and database access controls. Network segmentation and database privilege management should be reviewed to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameterized queries and input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security audits should verify that all third-party components are up to date with the latest security patches. Organizations utilizing Joomla! platforms should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components and ensure adherence to secure coding practices that prevent similar injection vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.