Joomla SQL Injection Scanner

Joomla is a popular content management system used by individuals, businesses, and organizations to build websites and online applications. It provides a wide range of functionalities including user management, media management, and content publishing. Due to its flexibility and extensibility, Joomla is widely used for developing various types of websites ranging from small blogs to large corporate sites. Users can enhance Joomla's capabilities through numerous extensions and plugins, which cater to different website needs. Joomla's easy-to-use interface makes it a preferred choice for users with varying levels of technical expertise. Overall, Joomla is a comprehensive solution for those looking to establish a robust online presence.

SQL Injection (SQLi) is a type of security vulnerability that allows an attacker to interfere with the queries that an application makes to its database. It generally occurs when an application does not properly validate user inputs, thereby allowing the injection of a SQL statement into a query. This could lead to unauthorized data exposure, data modification, or even escalation of privileges in some cases. SQLi vulnerabilities can be severe, enabling attackers to extract sensitive data from databases, such as user credentials and personal information. Often targeted by cybercriminals, it poses a serious risk to web applications by undermining database integrity and security. Identifying and mitigating SQLi vulnerabilities is crucial for protecting sensitive information stored in databases.

The SQL Injection vulnerability in Joomla exists within the `com_departments` parameter. Specifically, the `id` parameter in the path `/index.php?option=com_departments&id=-1` is susceptible to injection attacks. An attacker can manipulate this parameter to execute arbitrary SQL commands by appending malicious payloads like `UNION SELECT` clauses. This vulnerability allows attackers to retrieve database content, modify database entries, or even escalate privileges with crafted SQL statements. The vulnerability may be exploited by embedding an SQL expression that bypasses the application's intended query logic. Mitigation requires careful sanitization and validation of input data to prevent SQL statements from being altered.

Exploiting this vulnerability may lead to a wide range of negative impacts. If an attacker successfully injects SQL commands, they could gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially leading to data breaches involving personal identifiers. Additionally, attackers could alter existing data, corrupting the database entries, which in turn affects the reliability of the web application. In severe cases, SQL Injection can facilitate unauthorized administrative operations, thereby compromising the overall integrity and security of the Joomla site. Furthermore, the exploited entry point might provide a stepping stone for further attacks on the compromised system or network, exacerbating potential damages.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/opensec-cn/kunpeng/blob/master/plugin/json/joomla_departments_sqli.json
• https://github.com/w3bd0gs/cocoworker/blob/master/plugins/beebeeto/poc_2014_0170.py