CVE-2018-17382 in Jobs Factory
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the Jobs Factory 2.0.4 component for Joomla! via the filter_letter parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2018-17382 represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in the Jobs Factory component version 2.0.4 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the filter_letter parameter which is improperly sanitized, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database layer. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and parameter handling within the component's backend processing logic, creating an avenue for unauthorized database access and manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing sql payload within the filter_letter parameter. This parameter is typically used to filter job listings based on alphabetical letters, but due to insufficient sanitization, sql commands can be executed directly against the underlying database. The vulnerability maps to CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in data validation and input handling. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the affected Joomla! installation. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable full database compromise and potentially lead to complete system takeover.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations using Joomla! with the Jobs Factory component, particularly those handling sensitive job seeker information or business-critical data. The attack surface is relatively broad since the component is widely used across various industries including recruitment agencies, corporate HR departments, and job portal platforms. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple web requests without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it allows for automated scanning and exploitation. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 which describes data from information repositories, and T1071 which covers application layer protocols, as attackers can leverage standard http requests to execute malicious sql commands.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest version of the Jobs Factory component where the vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries in the component's source code would prevent such vulnerabilities from occurring. Web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block sql injection patterns targeting the affected parameter. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activity and implementing proper access controls to limit database privileges. Organizations should consider adopting defense-in-depth strategies including database activity monitoring, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities across their web applications.