CVE-2017-7988 : Security Advisory and Response

Joomla! versions 1.6.0 to 3.6.5 are vulnerable to an author overwriting issue due to insufficient form content filtering. This vulnerability was addressed in version 3.7.0.

Understanding CVE-2017-7988

This CVE entry highlights a security issue in Joomla! versions 1.6.0 to 3.6.5 that could allow unauthorized overwriting of article authors.

What is CVE-2017-7988?

In Joomla! versions 1.6.0 through 3.6.5, a lack of proper filtering of form contents enables attackers to overwrite the author of an article, potentially leading to unauthorized changes.

The Impact of CVE-2017-7988

The vulnerability could result in unauthorized users manipulating article authorship, potentially leading to misinformation or unauthorized content modifications.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-7988

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE entry.

Vulnerability Description

Insufficient filtering of form contents in Joomla! versions 1.6.0 to 3.6.5 allows for the unauthorized overwriting of article authors, posing a security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Joomla! versions 1.6.0 to 3.6.5
Unaffected Systems: Joomla! version 3.7.0 and above

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by submitting specially crafted form data to overwrite the author of an article.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-7988 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Joomla! to version 3.7.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor article authorship for any unauthorized changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation and filtering mechanisms in web forms.
Regularly review and update Joomla! security configurations to prevent similar issues.
Educate users on secure content management practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Joomla! to address known vulnerabilities.