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CVE-2018-11325: Joomla!: Generation of Error Message Containing Sensitive Information

CVE-2018-11325 is rated critical with a CVSS v3.0 base score of 9.8 and affects Joomla!. Per its scoring, it can be exploited over the network, without authentication, without any user interaction. The scored impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability is the highest available.

Vulnerability description

An issue was discovered in Joomla! Core before 3.8.8. The web install application would autofill password fields after either a form validation error or navigating to a previous install step, and display the plaintext password for the administrator account at the confirmation screen.

Severity breakdown

CVSS v3.0 9.8: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

• Attack vector: Network. Exploitable remotely over the network, with no need for local or physical access.
• Attack complexity: Low. No special conditions; the attack can be repeated reliably.
• Privileges required: None. No account or prior access is needed.
• User interaction: None. No action from any user is needed.
• Scope: Unchanged. Impact stays within the vulnerable component.
• Confidentiality impact: High. Total loss of confidentiality; sensitive data can be fully disclosed.
• Integrity impact: High. Total loss of integrity; data or system state can be fully modified.
• Availability impact: High. Total loss of availability; the component can be shut down.

Underlying weakness

CWE-209: Generation of Error Message Containing Sensitive Information

The product generates an error message that includes sensitive information about its environment, users, or associated data.

Affected products

• Joomla!: before 3.8.8

References

• https://developer.joomla.org/security-centre/732-20180504-core-installer-leaks-plain-text-password-to-local-user.html
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/104278
• http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1040966