CVE-2018-6372 in JB Bus
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the JB Bus 2.3 component for Joomla! via the order_number parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2018-6372 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the JB Bus 2.3 component for Joomla! platforms, specifically targeting the order_number parameter. This issue resides in the web application's input validation mechanisms where user-supplied data fails to be properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The vulnerability stems from the component's inadequate handling of the order_number parameter, which is typically used to retrieve and display order information within the bus booking system. When an attacker submits malicious SQL code through this parameter, the application processes it without sufficient sanitization, potentially allowing unauthorized database access and manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which classifies SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially gaining access to sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and business records. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database layer, allowing attackers to bypass application-level security controls and directly interact with the backend data storage. The JB Bus 2.3 component's failure to implement proper input validation and parameterized queries creates an attack surface that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service discovery.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise and potentially lead to full system takeover. An attacker could extract all customer information, modify booking records, inject malicious code into the application, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability affects Joomla! installations running the JB Bus 2.3 component, making it particularly concerning for businesses that rely on this booking system for transportation services. The exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise multiple systems. Organizations using this component face potential regulatory violations under data protection laws such as GDPR or CCPA if customer data is compromised, along with significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6372 should prioritize immediate patching of the JB Bus component to version 2.4 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementations. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at multiple layers, including web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SQL injection patterns targeting the order_number parameter. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include user education about the importance of keeping CMS components updated and implementing proper security configurations. Organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can alert administrators to suspicious SQL query execution patterns, providing early detection capabilities for potential exploitation attempts.