Description Preview
A security vulnerability (CVE-2020-15697) was discovered in Joomla! versions through 3.9.19 where internal read-only fields in the User table class could be modified by users. This improper access control issue (CWE-732) allows attackers to manipulate data that should be protected, potentially leading to privilege escalation or unauthorized access to system functionality.
Overview
This vulnerability affects Joomla! content management system versions through 3.9.19. The issue stems from insufficient protection of internal read-only fields in the User table class. Normally, these fields should be protected from modification by regular users, but due to this vulnerability, users could tamper with these fields. This could potentially allow attackers to modify user permissions, access protected content, or perform other unauthorized actions by manipulating data that should be immutable. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource), indicating a fundamental flaw in how permissions are enforced for critical system data.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, website administrators should:
- Update Joomla! to version 3.9.20 or later, which contains the security fix for this issue.
- If immediate updating is not possible, consider implementing additional access controls or monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.
- Review user permissions and activities to identify any potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
- Consider implementing a web application firewall (WAF) that can help protect against common web application attacks.
- Regularly monitor Joomla's security announcements and apply security patches promptly.
References
- Joomla! Security Centre Advisory: https://developer.joomla.org/security-centre/821-20200704-core-variable-tampering-via-user-table-class.html
- Common Weakness Enumeration: CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource)
- National Vulnerability Database: CVE-2020-15697
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.
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Low
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low
