CVE-2018-17377 in Questions
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the Questions 1.4.3 component for Joomla! via the term, userid, users, or groups parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17377 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Questions component version 1.4.3 of the Joomla database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft and encompasses complete database compromise. Attackers can leverage the sql injection to extract confidential user credentials, personal information, and administrative details from the affected Joomla! installation. The vulnerability's presence in the Questions component suggests that any user with access to the component's functionality can potentially exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different privilege levels exist. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that the vulnerability affects core database parameters that are commonly used for user management and content organization within the Questions component. This allows attackers to perform unauthorized database operations including data modification, deletion, and unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The exploitation of CVE-2018-17377 aligns with tactics documented in the attack mitigation framework where adversaries typically attempt to gain initial access through sql injection vulnerabilities before escalating privileges and moving laterally within the compromised system. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the attack tree where initial compromise through sql injection can lead to full system compromise. Organizations running affected Joomla! installations are particularly vulnerable because the Questions component is commonly deployed in educational and enterprise environments where sensitive data is stored. The vulnerability's persistence in the codebase without proper input validation creates a persistent threat that can be exploited by automated scanning tools and manual attackers alike. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability often remains undetected for extended periods due to the complexity of sql injection detection and the subtle nature of parameter handling within web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-17377 require immediate action including the mandatory upgrade to patched versions of the Questions component for Joomla installations and ensure that all third-party extensions are regularly updated. The remediation process should include disabling or removing the vulnerable Questions component until proper patches are applied and thorough testing has been completed to verify the effectiveness of the security controls. Compliance with industry standards such as owasp top ten and iso 27001 requires organizations to maintain current security patches and implement proper input validation controls to prevent sql injection vulnerabilities from compromising system integrity.