CVE-2018-8045 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
In Joomla! 3.5.0 through 3.8.5, the lack of type casting of a variable in a SQL statement leads to a SQL injection vulnerability in the User Notes list view.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8045 affects Joomla! content management systems versions 3.5.0 through 3.8.5, representing a critical security flaw in the user notes list view functionality. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and type casting within the database query execution process, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate SQL statements through user-controlled parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface where user notes are displayed, making it particularly dangerous for systems with elevated privileges.
The technical flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or cast user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL queries. This omission allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code through parameters that control the sorting or filtering of user notes. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The lack of proper type casting means that user input directly influences the query structure, bypassing standard security measures designed to prevent unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. This capability allows for data manipulation, unauthorized access to sensitive information, potential system compromise, and in severe cases, complete database takeover. The vulnerability affects the administrative functionality of Joomla! installations, meaning that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges within the system. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where administrators interact with the user notes list view, as this provides direct access to potentially sensitive user information and system data.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official Joomla! security updates, as the patch addresses the core type casting issue in the affected SQL query handling. Additionally, implementing proper input validation measures, parameterized queries, and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities. The mitigation strategy should include network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify potential injection points. Security teams should also monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive logging of administrative activities to detect unauthorized access patterns.