CVE-2018-17397 in AlphaIndex Dictionaries
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the AlphaIndex Dictionaries 1.0 component for Joomla! via the letter parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17397 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the AlphaIndex Dictionaries 1.0 component for Joomla! platforms. This security weakness specifically manifests through the letter parameter, which serves as an entry point for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability resides in the component's improper handling of user input, where the letter parameter fails to adequately sanitize or validate incoming data before incorporating it into database operations. This oversight creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system, potentially leading to complete data compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns of SQL injection attacks where the letter parameter acts as a conduit for malicious SQL payloads. When the component processes user input through this parameter, it directly incorporates the data into SQL query construction without proper input validation or parameterization. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and violates secure coding principles that mandate proper parameterization of database queries to prevent such attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17397 extends beyond simple data theft, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the affected Joomla is a widely deployed content management system, the exploitation of this vulnerability could affect numerous websites and organizations that have not updated their installations. Attackers could leverage this weakness to extract user credentials, sensitive business data, or manipulate content to serve malicious purposes. The vulnerability's presence in a dictionary component suggests that it may affect multilingual or internationalized websites where alphabetical indexing is utilized, potentially providing attackers with broader access to user-generated content and metadata.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators and security teams to implement proper input validation and parameterization of database queries. The recommended approach involves updating to the latest version of the AlphaIndex Dictionaries component where the vulnerability has been patched, or implementing proper input sanitization measures that filter or escape special characters in the letter parameter. Security measures should include input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering, database query parameterization, and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential SQL injection vulnerabilities within their Joomla! installations and implement proper database access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation further emphasizes the need for robust application security controls and regular security patch management processes.