CVE-2018-5974
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to perform SQL injection attacks through the catid array parameter in SimpleCalendar 3.1.9 for Joomla!. Attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands on the database, potentially compromising the entire Joomla! installation. All Joomla! sites using SimpleCalendar 3.1.9 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- SimpleCalendar for Joomla!
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise leading to data theft, privilege escalation, remote code execution, and full system takeover.
Likely Case
Database information disclosure, data manipulation, and potential administrative access to the Joomla! site.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and parameterized queries preventing SQL injection.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit code available, requires no authentication, and is easy to execute.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.1.10 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://extensions.joomla.org/extension/simplecalendar/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into Joomla! admin panel
2. Navigate to Extensions > Manage
3. Update SimpleCalendar to version 3.1.10 or later
4. Clear Joomla! cache
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allAdd input validation to filter catid parameter values to integers only
Modify component code to validate catid parameter as integer before processing
WAF Rule
allImplement web application firewall rules to block SQL injection patterns in catid parameter
Add WAF rule: Detect and block SQL injection patterns in catid parameter
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable SimpleCalendar component entirely if not needed
- Implement strict network segmentation and limit database access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Joomla! admin panel > Extensions > Manage > SimpleCalendar versionCheck Version:
Check Joomla! database: SELECT manifest_cache FROM #__extensions WHERE element = 'com_simplecalendar'Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm SimpleCalendar version is 3.1.10 or later in Joomla! admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple requests with catid parameter containing SQL syntax
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with catid parameter containing SQL keywords (UNION, SELECT, etc.)
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (catid="*UNION*" OR catid="*SELECT*" OR catid="*FROM*" OR catid="*WHERE*")