CVE-2018-6376 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
In Joomla! before 3.8.4, the lack of type casting of a variable in a SQL statement leads to a SQL injection vulnerability in the Hathor postinstall message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6376 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Joomla! content management system affecting versions prior to 3.8.4. This vulnerability specifically resides within the Hathor postinstall message functionality, which serves as a component responsible for displaying installation and update notifications to administrators. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and type casting mechanisms within the database query construction process, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate SQL statements through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the system processes user-supplied data within a SQL query without proper sanitization or type conversion. In the context of the Hathor postinstall message, an attacker can manipulate the input variables that are directly incorporated into database queries, bypassing the intended security controls. This weakness enables the execution of arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or complete database compromise. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-risk weakness due to its potential for severe data breaches and system compromise. The specific nature of the flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices that violate fundamental security principles for database interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges within the Joomla update and installation process, making it a persistent threat vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6376 require immediate implementation of the official Joomla framework or related applications.