CVE-2026-105604 in DJ-Classifieds Extension
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2026
Joomla Extension - dj-extensions.com - Unauthenticated SQL injection in DJ-Classifieds < 3.11.3 - The Joomla extension DJ-Classifieds is vulnerable to an unauthenticated SQL injection vector in the frontend search.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2026
The vulnerability identified within the DJ-Classifieds component for Joomla, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.11.3, represents a critical security flaw rooted in inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms during user-facing operations. This unauthenticated SQL injection vector is exposed through the frontend search functionality, which allows any visitor to the website to submit queries without requiring valid credentials or session tokens. The core technical failure lies in how the application processes these search parameters before constructing database queries. Instead of utilizing parameterized statements or prepared statements that strictly separate code from data, the extension directly interpolates user-supplied input into SQL commands. This architectural oversight enables an attacker to inject malicious SQL syntax that alters the logic of the backend query, effectively bypassing intended access controls and data retrieval boundaries.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-89, which defines Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, commonly known as SQL Injection. The vulnerability is particularly severe because it does not require authentication, placing it under the category of unauthenticated attacks that are significantly easier to exploit and more likely to be targeted by automated scanning tools and botnets. An attacker can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive data from the Joomla database, including user credentials, personal information stored in classified listings, or administrative configuration details. Furthermore, depending on the underlying Database Management System and its privileges granted to the web application account, an attacker might escalate their access to execute arbitrary operating system commands, modify database structures, or delete critical records, thereby compromising the integrity of the entire platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft. It poses a severe risk to business continuity and reputation for organizations relying on Joomla for e-commerce or classified advertising services. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to user accounts if password hashes are compromised, facilitating further account takeover attacks. Additionally, attackers may use the injection point to deface websites by modifying content directly through SQL commands that update database tables associated with published articles or listings. This results in a loss of trust among users and potential legal liabilities under data protection regulations such as GDPR or CCPA if personal identifiable information is exposed without consent. The ease of exploitation means that even low-skilled threat actors can compromise systems running this vulnerable version, leading to widespread incidents across the Joomla ecosystem.
To mitigate this risk, immediate action is required by system administrators and developers managing affected installations. The primary remediation step is to upgrade the DJ-Classifieds extension to version 3.11.3 or later, where the vendor has presumably implemented proper input sanitization and parameterized query execution to neutralize injection attempts. In scenarios where an immediate update is not feasible due to compatibility constraints with other extensions, temporary mitigations should be applied at the web server level using a Web Application Firewall that can detect and block SQL injection patterns in search parameters. Additionally, implementing strict Content Security Policy headers and ensuring that database accounts operate under the principle of least privilege can limit the potential damage if an exploitation attempt occurs. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on data handling practices are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future updates or custom modifications.
This incident highlights the persistent threat landscape surrounding open-source content management systems where third-party extensions may not undergo rigorous security testing before release. The mapping of this vulnerability to MITRE ATT&CK techniques, specifically T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application and potentially T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter if further exploitation occurs, underscores the need for proactive defense strategies. Organizations must maintain an accurate inventory of all installed extensions and their versions, ensuring that security patches are applied promptly upon release by vendors. Continuous monitoring of web server logs for anomalous SQL query patterns can also aid in early detection of attempted exploits, allowing for rapid incident response before significant data loss or system compromise occurs.