Description Preview
A vulnerability has been identified in Joomla! versions prior to 3.9.16 where incorrect access control mechanisms in the SQL fieldtype of com_fields component allow unauthorized users to access functionality that should be restricted to superadmin users only. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization) and could potentially lead to privilege escalation or unauthorized data access.
Overview
This vulnerability (CVE-2020-10239) affects the com_fields component in Joomla! content management system versions before 3.9.16. The issue stems from improper authorization controls that fail to properly restrict access to the SQL fieldtype functionality. Normally, this functionality should only be accessible to superadmin users, but due to the vulnerability, users with lower privilege levels can access it. This could potentially allow attackers to execute SQL queries they shouldn't be able to, leading to unauthorized data access or manipulation within the Joomla! database.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, site administrators should:
- Update Joomla! to version 3.9.16 or later as soon as possible.
- If immediate updating is not possible, consider temporarily restricting access to the com_fields component for non-superadmin users.
- After updating, review user permissions to ensure they are properly configured.
- Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.
- Consider implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls to provide an extra layer of protection.
References
- Joomla! Security Centre Advisory: https://developer.joomla.org/security-centre/806-20200305-core-incorrect-access-control-in-com-fields-sql-field
- Common Weakness Enumeration: CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization)
- Joomla! Release Announcement for version 3.9.16 which includes the fix for this vulnerability
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
