CVE-2017-20257 in Quiz Deluxe
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2026
Joomla! Component Quiz Deluxe 3.7.4 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through the ajaxaction.flag_question task. Attackers can inject malicious SQL code via the stu_quiz_id or flag_quest parameters to manipulate database queries and extract sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2026
The Joomla! Component Quiz Deluxe version 3.7.4 presents a critical SQL injection vulnerability that exposes the underlying database to unauthorized manipulation by unauthenticated attackers. This vulnerability specifically affects the ajaxaction.flag_question task which processes user inputs without proper sanitization or validation, creating a direct pathway for malicious SQL code execution. The flaw manifests when attackers manipulate the stu_quiz_id or flag_quest parameters, allowing them to inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal input validation mechanisms and directly influence database query construction.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws identified by the CWE organization. The attack vector operates through the component's AJAX interface where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate parameterization or input filtering. The absence of proper input validation allows attackers to craft SQL commands that manipulate the database structure, potentially leading to data extraction, modification, or complete database compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including but not limited to data retrieval, insertion, update, and deletion of critical information. Unauthenticated access means that any individual with knowledge of the vulnerability can exploit it without requiring legitimate credentials, making the attack surface particularly wide. The affected Quiz Deluxe component likely stores sensitive user information, quiz results, and educational data that could be accessed or modified through this vulnerability, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of educational institutions' digital platforms.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs through proper escaping mechanisms and implementing prepared statements that separate SQL code from data. Additionally, access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of AJAX endpoints, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1190 technique of Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of securing web application interfaces and implementing robust input validation mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts while maintaining compliance with security standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.