Joomla! CMS: Improper Authentication
CVE-2022-23795 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in Joomla! CMS from Joomla! Project, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Joomla! CMS versions: 2.5.0-3.10.6 & 4.0.0-4.1.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.15% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 67% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Joomla! CMS you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on developer.joomla.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joomla! Project | Joomla! CMS | 2.5.0-3.10.6 & 4.0.0-4.1.0 | Not stated |
| Joomla | Joomla! | 2.5.0 through 3.10.6; 4.0.0 through 4.1.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 6.8 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
An issue was discovered in Joomla! 2.5.0 through 3.10.6 & 4.0.0 through 4.1.0. A user row was not bound to a specific authentication mechanism which could under very special circumstances allow an account takeover.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Joomla! CMS
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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