CVE-2019-25761: JoomCRM SQL Injection – Exploit, Patch & Detection

Technical summary

CVE-2019-25761 is an authenticated SQL injection vulnerability in JoomCRM component version 1.1.1. The vulnerability exists in the contacts view (index.php?option=com_joomcrm&view=contacts) where the deal_id parameter is not properly sanitized before being used in SQL queries. An attacker who has valid Joomla authentication can craft malicious GET requests containing SQL metacharacters in the deal_id field to execute arbitrary queries. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N) indicates network accessibility with low attack complexity, requiring only low-privilege authenticated access, resulting in high confidentiality impact and limited integrity impact.

Business impact

A compromised JoomCRM installation could expose customer records, contact information, deal histories, and potentially internal business logic stored in the database. If the Joomla instance manages customer data, this exposure poses privacy and compliance risks (GDPR, CCPA, etc.). The limited integrity impact suggests attackers cannot easily modify or delete data, but the high confidentiality impact means intellectual property, client lists, and transaction details are at risk. Organizations relying on JoomCRM for customer management should assess what sensitive data is stored and prioritize remediation accordingly.

Affected systems

JoomCRM component version 1.1.1 is confirmed affected. This component is an add-on for Joomla content management system installations. Any Joomla site running this specific version of JoomCRM with authenticated users is potentially vulnerable. The attack requires valid login credentials, so exposure depends on how access to the Joomla backend or authenticated frontend areas is controlled. Verify your installed JoomCRM version against your component management interface.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires valid authentication—an attacker must have a legitimate Joomla user account (even with minimal privileges). The attack itself is straightforward: inject SQL syntax into the deal_id parameter of a standard HTTP GET request. No special tools or complex setup needed beyond basic web request manipulation. The low attack complexity and lack of user interaction (no social engineering or clicking required) make this relatively easy to exploit for anyone with credentials. However, the authentication requirement raises the bar compared to unauthenticated vulnerabilities.

Remediation

Update JoomCRM to a patched version released after the vulnerability disclosure. Verify the exact patched version through the component vendor's security advisory or official repository. As an interim measure, restrict Joomla user account creation and backend access to trusted administrators only. Monitor database query logs for suspicious SQL patterns in requests to the contacts view. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block SQL injection payloads in the deal_id parameter if an immediate patch is not available.

Patch guidance

Check the official JoomCRM release notes and Joomla component marketplace for version updates issued after June 2026. Verify against the vendor advisory that any patch addresses CWE-89 (SQL injection). Before deploying, test the update in a staging environment to ensure compatibility with your Joomla version and other installed components. Update through the Joomla component manager if available, or manually replace component files per vendor instructions. Document the patch date and version for compliance records.

Detection guidance

Log and monitor HTTP GET requests to index.php containing option=com_joomcrm and view=contacts for suspicious deal_id parameter values. Look for SQL keywords (SELECT, UNION, DROP, INSERT, etc.), encoded SQL characters (e.g., %27 for apostrophe), or unusual syntax in the parameter. Implement intrusion detection rules that flag SQL injection attempts. Review access logs for patterns of repeated requests with incremented or varied deal_id values, which may indicate enumeration attempts. Enable Joomla's audit logging to track which authenticated users access the contacts view and when.

Why prioritize this

Although authentication is required, the HIGH CVSS score (7.1) reflects significant risk. The high confidentiality impact and direct database access make this a priority for organizations storing sensitive customer or business data in JoomCRM. The ease of exploitation once credentials are obtained, combined with the potential for data exfiltration, warrants swift patching. Prioritize this if you have external-facing Joomla sites or if your database contains regulated or confidential information.

Risk score, explained

CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 (HIGH) reflects: network-accessible attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), and low privilege requirements (PR:L) balanced against high confidentiality impact (C:H) but limited integrity and availability impact. The score appropriately reflects that while the attack is relatively easy to execute for authenticated users, the exposure of sensitive data justifies a high severity rating. This is not critical (8.0+) because availability is not affected and modification impact is limited, but it demands urgent attention.

Frequently asked questions