CVE-2018-7318 in CheckList
Summary
by MITRE
SQL Injection exists in the CheckList 1.1.1 component for Joomla! via the title_search, tag_search, name_search, description_search, or filter_order parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7318 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the CheckList 1.1.1 component of Joomla! CMS. This security weakness allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database by manipulating specific parameters in the web application's request handling mechanism. The affected parameters include title_search, tag_search, name_search, description_search, and filter_order, which are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within the component's search functionality, creating an avenue for malicious exploitation that could compromise the entire database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows established patterns of sql injection attacks where user input flows directly into sql query construction without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. When an attacker submits malicious input through any of the affected parameters, the application fails to sanitize or validate the data before incorporating it into database queries. This allows attackers to inject sql commands that can manipulate database contents, extract sensitive information, or even execute administrative operations on the database server. The vulnerability specifically impacts the CheckList component's search and filtering capabilities, which are commonly used features that process user input directly without appropriate security controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Joomla! installations using the affected CheckList component. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the database, potentially including user credentials, personal information, or business-critical data. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify or delete database records, potentially causing system downtime or data corruption. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to the internet. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the CheckList component face potential compliance violations and reputational damage if exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7318 should prioritize immediate patching of the CheckList component to the latest version that addresses the sql injection vulnerability. System administrators should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application code to prevent similar issues in the future. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices recommended by the owasp foundation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input handling and sql query construction will help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack, following the principles outlined in the mitre attack framework for defensive measures against sql injection threats.