CVE-2019-25760: Joomla Easy Shop Local File Inclusion Vulnerability

Technical summary

CVE-2019-25760 is a local file inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Easy Shop component for Joomla version 1.2.3, stemming from improper input validation (CWE-98: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The vulnerability exists in the ajax.loadImage task handler, which accepts a base64-encoded file path parameter without adequate sanitization. An unauthenticated attacker can send a GET request to index.php with option=com_easyshop, task=ajax.loadImage, and a crafted file parameter containing base64-encoded paths (e.g., base64(../../../../etc/passwd)) to read arbitrary files accessible to the web server process, including configuration.php, database connection files, and other system files. The vulnerability is exploitable locally on the affected server.

Business impact

Exposure of configuration files and credentials poses a direct threat to database security and system integrity. Attackers gaining access to configuration.php or database credentials can move laterally to compromise the entire Joomla installation and potentially connected databases. If the compromised server also hosts other applications or services, the breach can expand significantly. For organizations relying on Joomla for public-facing content or e-commerce, unauthorized access to backend files creates compliance violations under data protection regulations and reputational damage if customer data is exposed.

Affected systems

This vulnerability specifically affects Joomla Easy Shop component version 1.2.3. Organizations running this exact version with the component enabled are at risk. The vulnerability is local to the web server, meaning an attacker must have network access to the web application. Joomla installations without the Easy Shop component are not affected. Users should verify their current Easy Shop version against vendor advisories to confirm whether their deployment falls within the vulnerable range.

Exploitability

The attack requires no authentication, no special privileges, and no user interaction—only the ability to send HTTP requests to the target web application. The base64 encoding requirement is trivial to implement; numerous online tools and standard libraries provide this functionality. An attacker can rapidly scan for and exploit vulnerable instances by checking for the presence of the com_easyshop component and testing the ajax.loadImage endpoint. The CVSS score of 6.2 reflects the medium severity due to the local (L) attack vector and the lack of integrity or availability impact, though confidentiality is fully compromised.

Remediation

Immediately update the Easy Shop component to a patched version released after the vulnerability disclosure. Verify against the official Joomla marketplace or component vendor's advisory for the correct patched version number. As an interim measure, disable or remove the Easy Shop component if it is not actively in use. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block requests to index.php containing base64-encoded file path patterns in the file parameter, or restrict access to the ajax.loadImage task to authenticated users only. Review server logs for suspicious requests to com_easyshop endpoints dating back several months.

Patch guidance

Obtain the latest patched version of Easy Shop from the official Joomla component repository or the component vendor. Verify the patch date aligns with or post-dates the vulnerability publication (June 19, 2026). Deploy the update in a test environment first to confirm compatibility with your Joomla installation and any custom extensions. Plan the update during a maintenance window to minimize user impact. After deployment, confirm the component version in the Joomla administration panel and re-test the vulnerable endpoint to ensure the flaw has been remediated.

Detection guidance

Monitor HTTP request logs for GET requests to index.php that include option=com_easyshop and task=ajax.loadImage with unusual or base64-encoded values in the file parameter. Look for patterns such as requests containing multiple ../ path traversal sequences (even when base64-encoded) or file paths pointing to sensitive files like configuration.php, wp-config.php, or /etc/passwd. A Web Application Firewall or SIEM can be tuned to flag such requests in real time. Additionally, review server access logs for failed or successful file read operations in unexpected directories, and check for unexpected modifications to application logs or error logs that might indicate exploitation attempts.

Why prioritize this

Although rated MEDIUM severity, this vulnerability warrants prompt attention because it enables direct unauthorized access to sensitive configuration and database credentials without authentication. The ease of exploitation and rapid impact on confidentiality make it a high-priority remediation target, especially for internet-facing Joomla instances handling sensitive data or e-commerce transactions. The vulnerability's local nature reduces its attack surface slightly compared to network-accessible flaws, but the absence of authentication requirements elevates the practical risk.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.2 (MEDIUM) reflects the combination of a local attack vector, no required privileges, no user interaction, and full confidentiality impact balanced against the lack of integrity or availability impact. The local attack vector (AV:L) typically indicates the attacker needs local system access; however, in this context, it refers to the local nature of the file inclusion attack (reading files from the local filesystem rather than network services). The low complexity (AC:L) confirms the attack is straightforward and requires no special conditions. The score appropriately conveys a serious but not critical vulnerability; organizations should remediate quickly but not at the expense of stability planning.

Frequently asked questions