CVE-2018-17381 in Dutch Auction Factory
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the Dutch Auction Factory 2.0.2 component for Joomla! via the filter_order_Dir or filter_order parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17381 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Dutch Auction Factory component version 2.0.2 for Joomla websites, becomes a vector for attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands and extract sensitive information from the database.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard sql injection attack patterns where malicious input is crafted to manipulate the intended sql query execution flow. When users interact with auction listings or administrative functions within the Joomla! site, the filter_order_Dir and filter_order parameters receive input that should be strictly validated. However, the component fails to implement proper parameter sanitization, allowing attackers to inject sql payloads that can alter the query structure. This weakness directly maps to CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the improper handling of sql command structure in applications. The vulnerability exists in the data validation layer where user input flows directly into database operations without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to execute unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17381 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete database compromise and potential system-wide infiltration. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract user credentials, auction data, and sensitive business information stored within the database. The vulnerability affects not only the auction functionality but also potentially compromises the entire Joomla! platform if the database user account has elevated privileges. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify auction parameters, manipulate bidding processes, or even establish persistent backdoors within the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning in e-commerce environments where auction data often contains valuable financial and personal information. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1190 (exploitation of remote services) and T1071.004 (application layer protocols) as it exploits a web application vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to backend database resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-17381 should focus on immediate patching of the Dutch Auction Factory component to version 2.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators must implement proper input sanitization techniques including parameterized queries, prepared statements, and strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters. The component should be configured to use least privilege database accounts with restricted permissions to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by monitoring and filtering suspicious sql injection patterns. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other components and plugins. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized database access attempts and sql injection activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date web application components and implementing robust input validation practices as recommended by industry standards including owasp top ten and nist cybersecurity framework guidelines.