CVE-2026-77997 in Pro Extension
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2026
Joomla Extension - yootheme.com - Authenticated, privileged information disclosure in YOOtheme Pro 1.0.0-5.0.41 - A missing access check allowed users with com_template editing permissions to access information about arbitrary modules without the respective com_modules permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2026
The vulnerability identified within YOOtheme Pro versions ranging from 1.0.0 through 5.0.41 represents a critical flaw in the application's authorization logic, specifically classified under CWE-284 Improper Access Control. This issue manifests as an authenticated privilege escalation and information disclosure vector that affects users who have been granted editing permissions for templates via the com_template component of Joomla. The core technical deficiency lies in the absence of a secondary access check when handling requests related to arbitrary modules, allowing these template editors to bypass standard permission boundaries enforced by the com_modules component. In typical Joomla installations, module management is strictly segregated from template configuration to maintain modular security and role-based access control integrity. However, this implementation flaw permits an attacker with lower-level privileges to query and retrieve sensitive data regarding any installed or configured module on the platform, regardless of their lack of explicit permissions for that specific area.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability exploits the interdependency between template editing functions and module configuration endpoints within the YOOtheme Pro extension framework. When a user initiates an action through the com_template interface to modify a template, the backend logic inadvertently forwards requests or exposes data structures associated with modules without verifying whether the current session possesses the necessary access rights defined in Joomla's core module management system. This oversight allows for the enumeration of internal application states, including potentially sensitive configuration parameters, plugin settings, and structural layouts that are not intended to be visible to template editors. The attack vector is straightforward yet effective: an authenticated user with com_template editing privileges can send crafted HTTP requests targeting module-related endpoints or API calls embedded within the YOOtheme Pro interface. Because the server-side validation fails to cross-reference these actions against the broader permission matrix, it returns detailed information about modules that should remain inaccessible, leading to a significant breach of confidentiality for administrative and semi-administrative users alike.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, particularly in multi-user Joomla environments where distinct roles are assigned based on least privilege principles. By exploiting this flaw, an attacker can gather intelligence necessary for further exploitation attempts, such as identifying vulnerable plugins or modules that may be present but not publicly visible. This information disclosure facilitates subsequent attacks like SQL injection or remote code execution if those exposed modules contain their own vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the ability to view arbitrary module configurations might reveal database connection strings, API keys, or other secrets embedded in module settings, depending on how YOOtheme Pro handles and displays this data. In a broader security context, this aligns with ATT&CK technique T1087 Account Discovery, as it allows an adversary to map out the internal structure of the web application by enumerating available modules and their configurations without proper authorization. This undermines the integrity of the access control model and erodes trust in the platform's ability to segregate duties effectively among different user roles.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from both developers and system administrators. The primary remediation involves applying the official patch released by YOOtheme, which addresses the missing access check by implementing rigorous validation of com_modules permissions before processing any module-related data within the template editing workflow. For organizations unable to update immediately due to compatibility constraints or other operational reasons, a temporary workaround involves restricting com_template editing privileges to only those users who also require full administrative access or explicit permission for module management. Additionally, deploying a Web Application Firewall with rules capable of detecting anomalous requests targeting internal API endpoints associated with YOOtheme Pro can provide an additional layer of defense by blocking unauthorized enumeration attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on authorization logic in third-party extensions are essential to prevent similar flaws from persisting in the ecosystem. Ensuring that all Joomla components adhere strictly to role-based access control standards will significantly reduce the risk profile associated with such privilege escalation vulnerabilities.