CVE-2017-20262 in Ajax Quiz
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2026
Joomla! Component Ajax Quiz 1.8 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries by injecting malicious code through the cid parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to index.php with the option=com_ajaxquiz and view=ajaxquiz parameters to extract sensitive database information including table names and column structures.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2026
The Joomla! Component Ajax Quiz version 1.8 presents a critical SQL injection vulnerability that fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of affected systems. This vulnerability exists within the component's handling of the cid parameter, which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's database queries, bypassing normal authentication requirements and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers construct GET requests targeting the index.php endpoint with the parameters option=com_ajaxquiz and view=ajaxquiz, enabling them to manipulate the underlying database operations through carefully crafted input sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns of SQL injection attacks that fall under CWE-89, which classifies improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract comprehensive database information including table schemas, column structures, and potentially user credentials or sensitive application data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data extraction as it provides attackers with the capability to perform destructive operations such as data modification, deletion, or even privilege escalation within the database environment. The component's failure to implement proper input validation and parameterized queries creates an attack surface where malicious payloads can be seamlessly integrated into existing database operations, making the exploitation straightforward and highly effective.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Joomla for their web presence.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and parameterized query usage to address this vulnerability effectively. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor's official patch or upgrade to a patched version that properly sanitizes user input and implements proper database query parameterization. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable application. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual database access patterns and suspicious GET requests containing SQL injection payloads. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service discovery, making it a critical target for both defensive and offensive security operations. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components and ensure comprehensive protection against SQL injection attacks.