CVE-2018-17376 in Reverse Auction Factory
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the Reverse Auction Factory 4.3.8 component for Joomla! via the filter_order_Dir, cat, or filter_letter parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2018-17376 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Reverse Auction Factory component version 4.3.8 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability exposes the application to unauthorized data access and potential system compromise through maliciously crafted sql queries. The flaw specifically affects parameters including filter_order_Dir, cat, and filter_letter which are used for sorting and filtering auction listings within the reverse auction functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the affected parameters to inject malicious sql code into the application's database layer. The filter_order_Dir parameter typically controls sorting direction while cat and filter_letter handle category and letter-based filtering respectively. When these parameters receive unvalidated input, the application constructs sql queries that directly incorporate user data without proper sanitization, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands. This flaw allows for potential data exfiltration, unauthorized database modifications, and privilege escalation within the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and business disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information including user credentials, auction details, and potentially administrative access credentials. The vulnerability affects all Joomla! installations running the Reverse Auction Factory component version 4.3.8, making it particularly dangerous as it targets a widely deployed web application component. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and financial losses due to unauthorized access to their auction data and user information. The vulnerability also provides attackers with potential pathways for further network exploration and lateral movement within affected infrastructures.
Security mitigations for CVE-2018-17376 should prioritize immediate patch application from the component vendor, as this vulnerability has been addressed through version updates that implement proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious sql injection attempts targeting these specific parameters. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are applied, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation. Input validation should be strengthened through proper parameter binding and prepared statements to prevent sql injection. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 sql injection and follows ATT&CK techniques related to command and control, credential access, and privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure comprehensive protection against sql injection threats.