CVE-2017-20278: SQL Injection in JoomRecipe 1.0.3 – High Severity Vulnerability

Technical summary

CVE-2017-20278 is an unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability in JoomRecipe 1.0.3 residing in the category parameter of the all-recipes endpoint. The component fails to properly sanitize or parameterize user input before constructing SQL queries, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary SQL code via GET requests. The injected SQL executes with the database user's privileges, allowing data extraction and potentially broader manipulation depending on database permissions and configuration. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).

Business impact

Exploitation of this SQL injection enables unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in the Joomla database, including user credentials, email addresses, and potentially other confidential application data. While the vulnerability does not permit direct data modification or denial of service according to its CVSS profile, the high confidentiality impact means attackers can conduct reconnaissance, harvest credentials for lateral movement, or extract proprietary content. Organizations relying on JoomRecipe for recipe management or content storage face reputational risk and potential compliance violations if personal or sensitive data is exposed.

Affected systems

JoomRecipe version 1.0.3 is confirmed affected. Organizations using this component should assume versions 1.0.3 and potentially earlier versions are vulnerable; consult the vendor advisory to confirm the full affected version range and identify any patched releases. This is a Joomla extension, so only sites with JoomRecipe installed are at risk; the vulnerability does not affect core Joomla installations without the component.

Exploitability

This vulnerability is highly exploitable. No authentication is required, the attack vector is over the network, there are no complex access conditions, and exploitation can be automated. SQL injection in recipe endpoints is straightforward to test and weaponize. The barrier to entry is low for attackers with basic SQL knowledge. No user interaction is required; the attack succeeds via direct HTTP requests. The lack of KEV status does not diminish the practical risk—active exploitation is likely given the simplicity and high impact.

Remediation

Immediate action is required. Disable or remove JoomRecipe 1.0.3 from production until a patched version is confirmed available from the vendor. If the component is business-critical, isolate affected Joomla instances from untrusted networks and implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing SQL metacharacters in the category parameter as a temporary mitigation. Contact the JoomRecipe vendor or maintainer to obtain patch details and the earliest fixed version. After patching, verify the fix by re-running security scanning against the endpoint.

Patch guidance

Verify the vendor advisory or JoomRecipe project repository for the patched version number and release date. Apply the patch as soon as it becomes available and has been validated in a non-production environment. Given the high severity and unauthenticated attack vector, prioritize this patch deployment above routine updates. Test the patch to confirm SQL injection payloads are now rejected and legitimate requests function normally. Document the patch application date and version for compliance records.

Detection guidance

Monitor web server and application logs for GET requests to the all-recipes endpoint containing suspicious SQL keywords or special characters in the category parameter (e.g., single quotes, 'OR', 'UNION', 'SELECT', dashes, semicolons). Implement query logging in the database to capture failed SQL commands and unusual query patterns. Deploy a WAF rule set tuned for SQL injection detection. Perform periodic vulnerability scanning of JoomRecipe installations using automated security tools that test SQL injection vectors. Conduct log review for any successful data extraction attempts, indicated by large result sets or repeated queries by the same source IP.

Why prioritize this

A CVSS score of 8.2 (HIGH) combined with unauthenticated, network-accessible SQL injection warrants immediate remediation. The vulnerability requires no user interaction, no privileges, and no special configuration—making it a prime target for opportunistic attackers scanning the internet for vulnerable Joomla installations. The high confidentiality impact (data breach) and the widespread use of Joomla in small to mid-sized organizations elevate business risk. Despite not being on CISA's KEV list, this should be treated as critical for any organization running JoomRecipe 1.0.3.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.2 reflects a network-accessible vulnerability exploitable without authentication or user interaction (high likelihood of exploitation). The high confidentiality impact accounts for unrestricted access to database contents. The low integrity impact (CWE-89 SQL injection often permits data modification, but the vector suggests limited write impact) and no availability impact cap the score below 9.0. The lack of complexity, privilege requirements, or scope change keeps this in the HIGH category rather than CRITICAL. For organizations with JoomRecipe, this represents elevated risk proportional to the sensitivity of data stored in their Joomla database.

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