1. Introduction
The ArtForms Component for Joomla! ‘viewform’ Parameter SQLi vulnerability allows a remote attacker to inject malicious SQL code into database queries. This could allow them to access, modify, or delete sensitive data stored in the Joomla! database. Systems running vulnerable versions of the ArtForms component are at risk. A successful exploit can result in loss of confidentiality, integrity and availability of the database.
2. Technical Explanation
- Root cause: Improper sanitization of user input for the ‘viewform’ parameter when handling ‘task=ferforms’.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker can send a crafted HTTP request with malicious SQL code in the ‘viewform’ parameter. For example, adding `’ OR ‘1’=’1` to the parameter could bypass authentication or extract data.
- Scope: ArtForms component for Joomla! versions prior to 2.64 are affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
To confirm if a system is vulnerable, check the installed version of the ArtForms component. A thorough assessment can be performed by attempting to exploit the vulnerability using a SQL injection payload.
- Quick checks: Check the ArtForms component version in the Joomla! administration interface under Extensions > Component Manager.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 512215 may detect this vulnerability. This is an example only, and other scanners may also provide detection capabilities.
- Logs and evidence: Examine web server logs for suspicious SQL-like queries originating from the ArtForms component’s request handling paths.
# No command available to directly confirm exposure without attempting exploitation. Review component version in Joomla! admin panel.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The following steps outline how to fix the issue.
4.1 Preparation
- Consider stopping the web server service during the update process.
- Roll back plan: Restore from backup if the update causes issues.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Download the latest version of the ArtForms component from the official website.
- Step 2: Log in to the Joomla! administration interface.
- Step 3: Navigate to Extensions > Manage > Install.
- Step 4: Upload the downloaded ArtForms component package.
- Step 5: Confirm the installation and update process.
4.3 Config or Code Example
No configuration changes are required; updating the component is the primary remediation step.
Before
# Vulnerable ArtForms Component version (e.g., prior to 2.64) with unsanitized input handling.After
# Updated ArtForms Component version (version 2.64 or later) with sanitised input handling.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue.
- Practice 1: Input validation is essential to block malicious data from reaching the database.
- Practice 2: Least privilege limits the impact if an attacker gains access.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No automation script is provided as component updates are best performed manually through the Joomla! administration interface.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirm that the fix worked by checking the installed version of ArtForms and attempting a basic SQL injection test.
- Post-fix check: Verify the ArtForms component version in the Joomla! admin panel is 2.64 or later.
- Re-test: Attempt to inject a simple SQL payload into the ‘viewform’ parameter and confirm it does not succeed.
- Smoke test: Ensure that form submissions and other core functionality of the ArtForms component continue to work as expected.
- Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for any suspicious activity related to the ArtForms component.
# No command available, verify version in Joomla! admin panel. Attempt a test payload (e.g., ' OR 1=1) and confirm no data is returned.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Implement security baselines and regular patch cycles to prevent similar issues.
- Baselines: Update your Joomla! security baseline to include the latest component versions.
- Pipelines: Consider using SAST tools to scan for input validation vulnerabilities in custom code or extensions.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular patch review cycle for all Joomla! components and plugins.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Updating the ArtForms component may introduce compatibility issues with existing customizations.
- Roll back: Restore from backup if the update causes issues.
8. References and Resources
The following resources provide additional information about this vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/512215/30/0/threaded
- NVD or CVE entry: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2010-2847