CVE-2017-20269: Joomla! KissGallery SQL Injection Flaw

CVE-2017-20269 Overview

CVE-2017-20269 is a SQL injection vulnerability in the Joomla! KissGallery component version 1.0.0. The flaw resides in the kissgallery endpoint, which fails to sanitize user-supplied input in the component URL path. Unauthenticated attackers can inject arbitrary SQL statements through HTTP requests to extract database contents, including credentials and session data. The weakness is classified under [CWE-89] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command).

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the Joomla! database, exposing sensitive site data and user credentials.

Affected Products

Joomla! Component KissGallery 1.0.0
Joomla! installations with KissGallery extension enabled
Websites using the kissgallery URL endpoint

Discovery Timeline

2026-06-19 - CVE-2017-20269 published to NVD
2026-06-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2017-20269

Vulnerability Analysis

The KissGallery component for Joomla! constructs SQL queries by concatenating untrusted input from the URL path without parameterization or escaping. When a request targets the kissgallery endpoint, the component passes path segments directly into database query logic. Attackers manipulate these segments to alter query semantics, breaking out of the intended query context.

Exploitation requires no authentication, no user interaction, and no special privileges. The attack delivers a single HTTP request over the network, making mass scanning and automated exploitation trivial. Successful injection enables data extraction through UNION-based, error-based, or blind SQL injection techniques.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing input validation and absence of prepared statements in the component's database access layer. The kissgallery endpoint trusts URL path data as safe SQL fragments. Developers did not apply Joomla!'s built-in query builder protections or escape user input before query execution.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based via HTTP. An attacker crafts a URL targeting the kissgallery route and appends SQL syntax to a vulnerable path parameter. The injected payload reaches the database engine, returning data through HTTP responses or inferable side channels such as response timing. Public exploit code is available through Exploit-DB #42494 and the VulnCheck Joomla Advisory.

No verified code examples are reproduced here. Refer to the linked advisories for exploitation specifics.

Detection Methods for CVE-2017-20269

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to /index.php?option=com_kissgallery containing SQL keywords such as UNION, SELECT, SLEEP, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA
Unusual database query patterns referencing jos_users or session tables originating from web application processes
Web server access logs showing encoded characters (%27, %20, %2D%2D) in kissgallery URL paths
Outbound data transfers from the web server immediately following anomalous kissgallery requests

Detection Strategies

Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that inspect URL paths for SQL injection signatures targeting the com_kissgallery component
Enable Joomla! database query logging and alert on queries containing tautologies such as OR 1=1 or comment markers --
Correlate web access logs with database audit logs to identify injection attempts producing successful query responses

Monitoring Recommendations

Monitor for repeated 200-status responses to kissgallery requests with abnormally large payload sizes
Track unique source IP addresses generating high request volumes against the gallery endpoint
Alert on database errors logged by Joomla! that reference syntax errors in queries originating from the component

How to Mitigate CVE-2017-20269

Immediate Actions Required

Disable or uninstall the KissGallery 1.0.0 component from affected Joomla! installations until a patched version is verified
Block requests containing the com_kissgallery parameter at the WAF or reverse proxy layer if the component cannot be removed immediately
Audit the Joomla! database for unauthorized access, modified user records, and exfiltrated session tokens
Rotate administrator passwords and invalidate active sessions on affected sites

Patch Information

No vendor patch is referenced in the available advisory data. The KissGallery extension is listed in the Joomla Extensions Directory. Operators should confirm the current status of the extension with the maintainer and apply any updated release that addresses input validation in the kissgallery route. Consult the VulnCheck Joomla Advisory for the latest remediation guidance.

Workarounds

Remove the KissGallery component directory from the Joomla! installation if no patched release is available
Apply WAF rules that reject requests to com_kissgallery containing SQL metacharacters or encoded equivalents
Restrict database user privileges granted to the Joomla! account, removing FILE, CREATE, and cross-database read permissions
Place the Joomla! site behind authentication or IP allowlisting until the component is removed or patched

bash

# Configuration example: ModSecurity rule to block injection attempts
SecRule REQUEST_URI "@contains com_kissgallery" \
    "id:1002017,phase:2,deny,status:403,\
    msg:'CVE-2017-20269 KissGallery SQLi attempt',\
    chain"
    SecRule ARGS|REQUEST_URI "@rx (?i)(union(\s|\+)+select|--|/\*|1=1|sleep\(|information_schema)"