CVE-2018-17380 in Article Factory Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the Article Factory Manager 4.3.9 component for Joomla! via the start_date, m_start_date, or m_end_date parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17380 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Article Factory Manager component version 4.3.9 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of date-related parameters including start_date, m_start_date, and m_end_date which are utilized in database queries without proper input sanitization. The flaw resides in the component's inability to adequately validate or escape user-supplied date values before incorporating them into SQL command structures, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits specially crafted date parameters that contain malicious SQL code within the affected parameters. These parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper parameterization or input validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The vulnerability maps to CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is embedded into SQL queries without proper sanitization. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or potentially gain unauthorized administrative access to the Joomla! site.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable comprehensive database compromise within Joomla installation running the affected Article Factory Manager component version, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of Joomla! as a content management system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting database interaction protocols. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these date parameters are often used in site functionality, making them accessible through various legitimate user interactions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-17380 require immediate action including updating the Article Factory Manager component to a patched version that implements proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls with SQL injection detection capabilities and conduct thorough security audits of all installed Joomla installations will significantly reduce the risk of successful exploitation and maintain overall system integrity.