CVE-2018-6394 in InviteX
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the InviteX 3.0.5 component for Joomla! via the invite_type parameter in a view=invites action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6394 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the InviteX component version 3.0.5 for Joomla! platforms. This security weakness specifically manifests through the invite_type parameter when processing view=invites actions, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the component's code structure, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql commands that bypass normal authentication and authorization protocols. The flaw resides in the component's handling of user-supplied data without proper escaping or parameterization, making it susceptible to exploitation by threat actors seeking to compromise the underlying database infrastructure.
This sql injection vulnerability operates at the application layer and aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands as a fundamental weakness in software design. The attack vector specifically targets the InviteX component's data processing logic where the invite_type parameter is directly incorporated into sql queries without appropriate sanitization measures. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the database server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploit public-facing application, representing the threat actor's ability to leverage publicly accessible web interfaces to conduct database-level attacks.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, affecting not only the confidentiality of stored data but also the integrity and availability of the entire Joomla! installation. Attackers can exploit this flaw to extract sensitive user information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the component and potentially the entire platform. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple database backends makes it particularly dangerous as it can affect various sql implementations including mysql, postgresql, and sql server environments. Organizations using affected versions of InviteX component face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to inadequate protection of user data and system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6394 should prioritize immediate patching of the InviteX component to version 3.0.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and sql query parameterization. System administrators should implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious sql injection patterns targeting the vulnerable parameter. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and plugins. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding and input validation mechanisms throughout the application stack will help prevent similar issues from emerging in future development cycles, aligning with industry best practices for secure coding and defensive programming techniques.