Improper cache invalidation in Joomla! CMS 1.7.3 through 3.7.2 leads to disclosure of form contents.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9933 represents a critical security flaw in Joomla handles cached form data, allowing attackers to potentially retrieve previously submitted form information that should have been properly invalidated or cleared from cache storage.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within Joomla environment, the system caches the form data for performance optimization purposes. However, the cache invalidation logic fails to properly clear or update cached form contents when new submissions occur, resulting in stale data remaining accessible in the cache layer. This improper cache handling creates a situation where attackers can potentially access cached form data through various attack vectors including direct cache access or by exploiting the application's caching mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core caching infrastructure of the CMS, making it difficult to predict or prevent all potential attack scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9933 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that can lead to significant information disclosure risks. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially access sensitive user information, including personal data, login credentials, or other confidential form submissions that were intended to be temporary or secure. The vulnerability affects both frontend and backend form interactions within Joomla versions face the risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties due to the exposure of sensitive information. The impact is particularly severe in environments where Joomla! is used for handling sensitive user data, member registration, or business-critical form submissions. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-200, which defines improper output neutralization for logs and other security flaws that can lead to information disclosure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9933 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper cache invalidation implementation. Organizations should upgrade to Joomla installations to identify any other potential cache-related vulnerabilities that may exist in their specific configurations.