CVE-2018-5989 in ccNewsletter
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the ccNewsletter 2.x component for Joomla! via the id parameter in a task=removeSubscriber action, a related issue to CVE-2011-5099.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2018-5989 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the ccNewsletter 2.x component for Joomla! platforms. This security weakness specifically manifests through the id parameter when processing task=removeSubscriber actions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability's classification as a sql injection issue aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which defines sql injection as the improper handling of database queries that allows attackers to manipulate or retrieve sensitive data through malicious input. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper parameter sanitization in the component's handling of user-supplied data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to perform arbitrary database commands including data modification, deletion, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. When an attacker exploits the id parameter in the removeSubscriber task, they can inject malicious sql code that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and executes with the privileges of the web application's database user. This creates a severe risk for Joomla! installations using the ccNewsletter component, as the vulnerability could lead to complete database compromise and potential system takeover. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate application functionality, making detection more difficult for security monitoring systems.
The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2011-5099 highlights a persistent pattern in component development where sql injection flaws remain unaddressed across multiple versions. This demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in web application security. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1213.002 for data from information repositories. The exploitation typically requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors. Organizations using affected Joomla! installations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a direct pathway to database compromise that aligns with common attack patterns observed in web application penetration testing and security assessments.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch application from the component vendor, implementation of input validation controls, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. Additionally, database user permissions should be restricted to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party components and implementing proper security controls throughout the application lifecycle.