CVE-2026-76602 in Fabrik Extension
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2026
Joomla Extension - fabrikar.com - Unauthenticated SQL injection in ORDER BY in Fabrik < 4.7.3 - The order parameter in list models is used in queries without validation, allowing read SQLi vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as an unauthenticated SQL injection within the Joomla extension Fabrik prior to version 4.7.3 represents a critical security flaw affecting data integrity and confidentiality. This specific weakness resides in the list models of the application, where the order parameter is directly incorporated into database queries without adequate validation or sanitization. Because this component handles user input related to sorting results, it serves as an attractive attack vector for malicious actors seeking to manipulate backend database operations. The absence of proper input filtering allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands through the order clause, exploiting the way the application constructs its dynamic query strings. This flaw is particularly severe because it does not require authentication, meaning any internet user with access to the vulnerable Joomla site can exploit this issue without needing valid credentials or a logged-in session.
From a technical perspective, the root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user-supplied data within the SQL query construction process. In standard database operations, sorting parameters are typically validated against a whitelist of allowed column names to prevent injection attacks. However, in versions of Fabrik earlier than 4.7.3, the order parameter is passed directly into the ORDER BY clause without sufficient checks. This allows an attacker to append malicious SQL syntax that alters the logic of the query. While the primary impact described involves read access, meaning attackers can extract data from the database such as user credentials or sensitive site information, improper handling in this context could potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve write operations or remote code execution depending on the specific database configuration and backend capabilities. The vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-89, which defines Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, commonly known as SQL Injection. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically sub-techniques related command scripting or database query manipulation, highlighting its relevance in broader threat intelligence frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any organization running a compromised version of Fabrik on their Joomla infrastructure. Since the injection point is unauthenticated, the attack surface is maximized, allowing automated scanning tools and malicious scripts to probe vulnerable sites indiscriminately across the internet. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data stored in the database, including personal identifiable information if user profiles are managed through Fabrik forms. Furthermore, depending on the underlying database management system, such as MySQL or PostgreSQL, skilled attackers might leverage error-based or blind SQL injection techniques to enumerate database structures and extract additional tables not directly exposed by the application interface. This compromises the confidentiality of the entire web application ecosystem supported by Joomla.
To mitigate this risk, administrators must immediately upgrade Fabrik to version 4.7.3 or later, where the developers have implemented proper input validation for the order parameter. Until an update is applied, temporary mitigations include implementing a Web Application Firewall rule that detects and blocks SQL injection patterns within query parameters, particularly those targeting ORDER BY clauses. Additionally, applying strict database user permissions can limit the damage if exploitation occurs by ensuring the application database account does not have excessive privileges such as FILE or SUPER rights. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on dynamic query construction are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom extensions or core components. Maintaining up-to-date software dependencies is the most effective defense against known exploits like this SQL injection flaw, which remains a prevalent threat vector in content management systems with complex extension architectures.