CVE-2017-20259 in OSDownloads
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2026
Joomla OSDownloads 1.7.4 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries by injecting malicious code through the id parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to index.php with option=com_osdownloads&view=item&id=[SQL] to extract sensitive database information including credentials and configuration data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2026
Joomla OSDownloads version 1.7.4 contains a critical sql injection vulnerability that affects the component's handling of the id parameter in the item view. This vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's database query construction process, allowing attackers to manipulate the sql query execution flow through crafted malicious input. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes the id parameter without proper escaping or parameterization, creating an exploitable path for unauthorized sql command injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the component's reliance on direct string concatenation when building sql queries, rather than utilizing prepared statements or proper parameterized queries. When an attacker submits a GET request to index.php?option=com_osdownloads&view=item&id=[SQL], the application processes the malicious input directly into the sql statement without adequate sanitization measures. This creates a condition where sql commands injected through the id parameter are executed with the privileges of the database user account used by the application, potentially allowing full database access and manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction to encompass complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, administrative passwords, configuration settings, and other database content that may reveal additional system architecture details. The unauthenticated nature of this attack means that any external party can exploit the vulnerability without requiring prior access credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89 sql injection and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 exploitation for execution through sql injection attacks.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected component to version 1.7.5 or later, which addresses the input validation issues through proper parameterized queries and input sanitization. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious sql injection patterns targeting known vulnerable parameters. Additionally, database access should be restricted to minimum required privileges, and input validation should be strengthened across all user-supplied parameters. Regular security scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, as this represents a common attack vector that affects numerous web applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in database access control.