CVE-2021-23123 : Security Advisory and Response
Critical vulnerability CVE-2021-23123 in Joomla! CMS versions 3.0.0-3.9.23 allows unauthorized access to module names, impacting security. Learn about the issue and mitigation.
A critical security vulnerability, CVE-2021-23123, was identified in Joomla! CMS versions 3.0.0 through 3.9.23 that affects the com_modules component. The vulnerability allowed unauthorized access to module names, including unpublished and inaccessible modules.
Understanding CVE-2021-23123
This section delves into the essential details of the CVE-2021-23123 vulnerability in Joomla! CMS.
What is CVE-2021-23123?
The lack of ACL checks in the orderPosition endpoint of com_modules exposed module names of both unpublished and inaccessible modules in Joomla! CMS versions 3.0.0 through 3.9.23. This flaw compromised the confidentiality of module information.
The Impact of CVE-2021-23123
The vulnerability allowed malicious actors to gather sensitive data about modules that were not meant to be accessible, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or information leakage.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-23123
Explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-23123 vulnerability to understand its workings and implications.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stemmed from the absence of adequate ACL checks in the orderPosition endpoint of com_modules, enabling unauthorized users to view module names they shouldn't have access to.
Affected Systems and Versions
Joomla! CMS versions 3.0.0 through 3.9.23 were impacted by this security flaw, exposing module names.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting this vulnerability involved leveraging the lack of ACL validations in the orderPosition endpoint of com_modules to leak module names.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the crucial steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-23123 and prevent potential security breaches.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update Joomla! CMS to versions beyond 3.9.23 to patch the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized access to module names.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing robust access control mechanisms and regularly updating systems can enhance security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates released by Joomla! Project and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.