PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2018-25381 Extro CVE debrief

CVE-2018-25381 documents an SQL injection vulnerability in Joomla Responsive Portfolio version 1.6.1. The flaw exists in multiple filter parameters—specifically filter_type_id, filter_pid_id, and filter_search—where authenticated attackers can inject arbitrary SQL commands through POST requests. Successful exploitation enables extraction of sensitive database contents including credentials and server configuration details. The vulnerability carries a HIGH severity CVSS score of 7.1. The CVE was published on 2026-05-25 and subsequently modified on 2026-05-26. The underlying weakness is categorized as CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).

Vendor: Extro
Product: Responsive Portfolio
CVSS: HIGH 7.1
CISA KEV: Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published: 2026-05-25
Original CVE updated: 2026-05-26
Advisory published: 2026-05-25
Advisory updated: 2026-05-26

Who should care

Organizations running Joomla CMS with the Responsive Portfolio extension version 1.6.1 or earlier should prioritize assessment. Security teams managing content management systems, web application developers maintaining Joomla installations, and database administrators responsible for credential security are directly affected. Incident response teams should monitor for signs of database compromise or credential exfiltration.

Technical summary

The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on filter parameters within the Joomla Responsive Portfolio component. Authenticated users can manipulate filter_type_id, filter_pid_id, and filter_search values in POST requests to inject malicious SQL syntax. The application fails to properly neutralize special characters before incorporating these values into database queries, enabling attackers to modify query logic, extract sensitive data through UNION-based or error-based techniques, and potentially escalate privileges depending on database configuration. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, no required user interaction, and low privileges required, with high confidentiality impact.

Defensive priority

HIGH

Recommended defensive actions

Apply the latest security patches for Joomla Responsive Portfolio if available from the vendor or Joomla Extensions Directory
Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements to sanitize filter_type_id, filter_pid_id, and filter_search inputs
Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns in POST requests to affected endpoints
Review database access logs for anomalous query patterns indicative of exploitation attempts
Restrict administrative access to the portfolio management interface to trusted IP ranges where possible
Consider removing or disabling the component if patches are unavailable and the functionality is not critical

Evidence notes

The vulnerability was disclosed through VulnCheck, with references to the Joomla Extensions Directory listing for the affected component and an associated Exploit-DB entry. The vendor attribution remains under review with low confidence, as the canonical source is derived from reference domain analysis rather than direct vendor confirmation.