CVE-2025-49485 Overview
CVE-2025-49485 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting the Balbooa Forms plugin versions 1.0.0 through 2.3.1.1 for Joomla. The flaw resides in the handling of the id parameter, which is passed unsanitized into database queries. Privileged users can inject arbitrary SQL statements through this parameter, leading to unauthorized read, modification, or deletion of backend database content. The weakness is classified under [CWE-89] Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. Because the plugin operates within the Joomla content management system, exploitation can directly affect site data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers with privileged Joomla accounts can execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, exposing or altering form submissions, user records, and other site data.
Affected Products
- Balbooa Forms plugin for Joomla, version 1.0.0
- Balbooa Forms plugin for Joomla, versions 1.0.1 through 2.3.1.0
- Balbooa Forms plugin for Joomla, version 2.3.1.1
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-07-18 - CVE-2025-49485 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-49485
Vulnerability Analysis
The Balbooa Forms plugin processes the id request parameter and incorporates it into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterized binding. An authenticated user with sufficient privileges can supply crafted SQL payloads through this parameter. The injected SQL is executed in the context of the Joomla database user, granting access to any table reachable by that account.
The vulnerability requires high privileges, but no user interaction is needed and the attack is delivered over the network. Successful exploitation impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the Joomla database. Refer to the Joomla Extension Overview for plugin context.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special characters [CWE-89] in the id parameter before it is concatenated into a database query string. The plugin code does not enforce type casting, prepared statements, or input whitelisting on the parameter, allowing attackers to break out of the intended query syntax.
Attack Vector
The attacker authenticates to Joomla with a privileged role that has access to the Balbooa Forms administrative endpoints. The attacker then issues HTTP requests containing SQL meta-characters in the id parameter. The backend executes the malicious query, returning data through error messages, response content, or time-based side channels.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is currently available. Administrators should treat the issue as exploitable through standard SQL injection tradecraft, including UNION-based extraction, boolean-based blind enumeration, and time-based blind techniques.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49485
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HTTP requests to Balbooa Forms endpoints containing SQL meta-characters such as ', --, UNION, SLEEP(, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA in the id parameter.
- Database error messages logged by Joomla or the web server referencing syntax errors triggered by the id parameter.
- Unexpected administrative session activity from accounts that rarely access form management features.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect Joomla access logs and web application firewall (WAF) logs for requests targeting Balbooa Forms components with anomalous id values.
- Enable database query logging and alert on queries that reference the plugin's tables but contain stacked statements or boolean tautologies such as 1=1.
- Correlate authentication events with form administration activity to detect privileged account misuse.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward Joomla, web server, and database logs to a centralized analytics platform for behavioral baselining of administrator activity.
- Monitor for sudden spikes in 500-level HTTP responses from Balbooa Forms URLs, which often indicate injection probing.
- Track outbound database query volume per administrator account to surface bulk data extraction attempts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49485
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all Joomla instances running the Balbooa Forms plugin and confirm the installed version against the affected range 1.0.0 through 2.3.1.1.
- Restrict access to Joomla administrator interfaces using network controls, VPN, or IP allowlisting until a fixed version is deployed.
- Audit privileged Joomla accounts and remove or downgrade roles that do not require form management permissions.
- Review database and web server logs for evidence of prior exploitation attempts against the id parameter.
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no fixed version is referenced in the NVD entry. Administrators should consult the Joomla Extension Overview and the vendor's distribution channel for the latest Balbooa Forms release and apply any update that supersedes version 2.3.1.1.
Workarounds
- Disable the Balbooa Forms plugin in the Joomla extension manager until a patched version is available.
- Deploy a web application firewall rule that blocks SQL meta-characters in the id parameter for Balbooa Forms endpoints.
- Enforce strong authentication, including multi-factor authentication, on all Joomla accounts with administrator or manager privileges to reduce abuse of the required privilege level.
# Example WAF rule (ModSecurity) to block SQL meta-characters in the id parameter
SecRule ARGS:id "@rx (?i)(union(\s)+select|sleep\(|--|';|/\*|information_schema)" \
"id:1004985,phase:2,deny,status:403,log,msg:'Possible CVE-2025-49485 SQLi attempt against Balbooa Forms'"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
