CVE-2018-17384 in Swap Factory
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the Swap Factory 2.2.1 component for Joomla! via the filter_order_Dir or filter_order parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17384 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Swap Factory 2.2.1 component for Joomla! platforms. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data in specific parameter fields. The vulnerability specifically affects the filter_order_Dir and filter_order parameters, which are commonly used for sorting and ordering database query results within web applications. These parameters are typically employed by content management systems to dynamically adjust the display order of database records based on user preferences or administrative selections.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious sql code through the affected parameters, potentially enabling unauthorized access to the underlying database system. When the Swap Factory component processes these parameters without proper sanitization, the injected sql commands become part of the actual database queries executed by the application. This creates a pathway for attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute administrative commands on the database server. The vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws that occur when untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable full database compromise and potentially lead to complete system infiltration. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can bypass authentication mechanisms, escalate privileges, and access confidential information stored within the Joomla installations, making numerous websites potentially vulnerable to exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with the attack technique described in the attack pattern taxonomy under T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service discovery, as attackers can use this flaw to map database structures and identify additional attack vectors within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-17384 should prioritize immediate patching of the Swap Factory component to version 2.2.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Organizations should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block sql injection attempts targeting these specific parameters. Additionally, database access should be restricted through proper privilege management, ensuring that web applications only have the minimum required permissions to perform their functions. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application code, database interfaces, and network-level security controls. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader application ecosystem. The remediation process should also include monitoring database logs for suspicious activities and implementing proper error handling to prevent information leakage that could aid attackers in exploiting similar vulnerabilities. Security teams must also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect and alert on sql injection patterns in real-time, providing proactive defense against exploitation attempts targeting this and related vulnerabilities.