CVE-2017-20277
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2026
Joomla JoomRecipe 1.0.4 component contains a blind SQL injection vulnerability in the search_author parameter on the search results page. Attackers can inject SQL code through POST requests to the search endpoint to extract database information using boolean-based blind SQL injection techniques.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2026
The Joomla JoomRecipe component version 1.0.4 contains a critical blind sql injection vulnerability that resides within the search_author parameter of the search results page. This vulnerability represents a severe security flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands through crafted post requests to the search endpoint. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of user input in the search_author parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries by injecting malicious sql code that can be executed in the context of the database user account. This particular vulnerability falls under the category of blind sql injection as it does not provide direct error messages or result sets but instead relies on boolean-based techniques to extract information from the database through carefully crafted payloads. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates through post requests, making it less detectable by standard network monitoring tools and allowing for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear lack of input validation and proper sql query parameterization in the component's code implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious payloads that manipulate the sql query structure through the search_author parameter. Attackers can leverage boolean-based blind sql injection techniques to infer database contents by observing different response behaviors or timing variations in the application's responses. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for complete database enumeration, enabling attackers to extract user credentials, configuration data, and other sensitive information stored within the database. The attack requires minimal user interaction since the vulnerability exists in a publicly accessible search endpoint, making it suitable for automated exploitation. This type of vulnerability typically maps to cwe-89 in the common weakness enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws where untrusted data is directly incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The exploitation process can be automated using tools like sqlmap, which can automatically detect and exploit blind sql injection vulnerabilities by systematically testing various payload combinations and analyzing the application's response patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within affected networks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the database, potentially leading to privilege escalation and further system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of all data stored within the joomla installation, including user accounts, content management information, and potentially system configuration details. Organizations using joomrecipe component version 1.0.4 are at risk of data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through database-level backdoors or to manipulate the application's functionality by injecting malicious code into the database. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework, particularly those related to credential access and persistence through database manipulation. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core content management functionality of joomla installations, potentially allowing attackers to modify website content or redirect users to malicious sites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including applying the latest security patches provided by the joomrecipe developers or upgrading to a supported version that addresses the sql injection flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The implementation of web application firewalls and sql injection detection mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns or suspicious sql queries that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security training for developers to ensure proper secure coding practices are followed, particularly regarding sql query construction and input handling. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust security controls throughout the application development lifecycle. Regular vulnerability scanning and security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar sql injection vulnerabilities across all web applications within the organization's infrastructure.