CVE-2017-20281 in Extra Search
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2026
Joomla! Component Extra Search 2.2.8 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting SQL code through the establename parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to index.php with the option=com_extrasearch parameter and malicious SQL in the establename field to extract sensitive database information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2026
The vulnerability in Joomla! Component Extra Search version 2.2.8 represents a critical sql injection flaw that undermines the integrity of database operations within the web application. This vulnerability specifically targets the establename parameter within the com_extrasearch component, allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious sql code directly into database queries without requiring any prior authentication credentials. The flaw exists in the component's handling of user-supplied input, where the establename parameter is directly incorporated into sql statements without proper sanitization or parameterization techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate database queries through simple http get requests to the index.php endpoint with the option=com_extrasearch parameter. When an attacker submits malicious sql code through the establename field, the application fails to validate or escape the input before incorporating it into backend database operations. This allows for arbitrary sql command execution and enables attackers to extract sensitive information from the database including user credentials, personal data, and system configuration details. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring any specialized tools beyond standard web browser capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized data manipulation, including data insertion, modification, or deletion operations that could result in service disruption or complete system compromise. The unauthenticated nature of this exploit means that any user with access to the vulnerable web application can potentially exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible systems. This vulnerability directly relates to common weakness enumeration cwes 89 and 770, which address sql injection and improper restriction of operations within a limited scope respectively.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected component to version 2.2.9 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterization of database queries. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious sql injection patterns targeting the specific parameter. Additionally, database access should be restricted to minimum required privileges, and all sql queries should be parameterized to prevent injection attacks. The vulnerability aligns with attack technique t1190 in the attack tree framework, which covers exploitation of sql injection vulnerabilities, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices outlined in owasp top 10 2021. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack.