CVE-2025-22207 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE • 02/18/2025
Improperly built order clauses lead to a SQL injection vulnerability in the backend task list of com_scheduler.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-22207 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the com_scheduler component of a web application platform. This issue manifests specifically within the backend task list functionality where order clauses are improperly constructed, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the application processes user requests to sort scheduler tasks within the backend administrative interface. When administrators or authorized users specify sorting criteria through order clauses, the system fails to properly sanitize these inputs before incorporating them into database queries. This improper handling allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code through carefully crafted sorting parameters, potentially enabling full database compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates within administrative interfaces where elevated privileges are typically present, amplifying the potential impact of successful exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential system compromise. Attackers could leverage this weakness to extract confidential data, modify or delete scheduler tasks, and potentially gain deeper access to the underlying database infrastructure. The impact extends beyond immediate data theft as successful exploitation could lead to persistent backdoor access, privilege escalation, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the com_scheduler component specifically, which is commonly used for managing automated tasks and scheduled operations within enterprise applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-22207 must focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the affected system. Organizations should immediately implement input sanitization measures that prevent special characters and SQL keywords from being processed within sorting parameters. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate SQL code from data inputs, thereby eliminating the possibility of injection attacks. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles for administrative interfaces will reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization that violates fundamental security principles for database interaction. Security teams should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing comprehensive logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments of administrative interfaces where elevated privileges and sensitive data processing occur. Organizations must establish robust monitoring procedures to detect anomalous sorting behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all database interactions follow secure coding standards to prevent similar issues in other components.