CVE-2017-20276 in SIMGenealogy
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2026
Joomla! Component SIMGenealogy 2.1.5 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting SQL code through the type parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to index.php with the option=com_simgenealogy, view=latest parameters and inject malicious SQL in the type parameter to extract sensitive database information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2026
The Joomla! Component SIMGenealogy version 2.1.5 presents a critical sql injection vulnerability that fundamentally compromises database security through improper input validation. This vulnerability resides in the component's handling of the type parameter within the latest view functionality, where user-supplied input flows directly into database queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization. The flaw enables unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete data compromise and system infiltration.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern where attackers craft malicious GET requests targeting the specific component endpoint at index.php?option=com_simgenealogy&view=latest&. The injection occurs when the type parameter receives unsanitized input that gets directly concatenated into sql query strings. This primitive sql injection vector allows attackers to manipulate database operations through standard sql injection techniques including union-based queries, error-based extraction, and blind sql injection methods. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which classifies improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands as a fundamental weakness in application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. Attackers can extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal genealogical data, and potentially system configuration details stored within the database. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any external party can exploit this vulnerability without requiring prior access credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability could facilitate further attacks including privilege escalation, data manipulation, and persistence mechanisms that align with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the component to version 2.1.6 or later which addresses the sql injection vulnerability through proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should implement web application firewalls with sql injection detection capabilities and conduct comprehensive security testing of all third-party components. Input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application code, database level, and network perimeter defenses. Additionally, database access should be restricted through proper privilege management, ensuring that application accounts have minimal required permissions and that sensitive data is properly encrypted both at rest and in transit. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components and maintain overall system security posture.