Cross-site Scripting Vulnerability in Joomla! 1.5 - 1.5.17

joomla/joomla-cms Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

14/05/2022
Yes i
Moderate
Not published

CVE-2010-1649: Joomla! vulnerable to Cross-site Scripting. Affects joomla/joomla-cms versions >= 1.5, < 1.5.18. Fixed in 1.5.18. How to fix ↓

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Background

Joomla! is a widely-used open-source content management system (CMS) that enables users to build and manage websites and online applications. It is known for its flexibility, extensibility, and user-friendly interface. However, versions 1.5 through 1.5.17 are vulnerable to multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, which can compromise the security of the backend administration interface.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises from multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) flaws in the backend of Joomla! versions 1.5 to 1.5.17. These flaws allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML into various administrator screens, potentially through vectors like the search parameter in administrator/index.php. If exploited, this could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or manipulation of the website's content.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.5.18

This is the first release that contains the fix.

composer require joomla/joomla-cms:1.5.18

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Workaround

As a temporary workaround, administrators can limit access to the backend by implementing IP whitelisting or using strong authentication methods to reduce the risk of exploitation until the update is applied.

Conclusion

The identified cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in Joomla! versions 1.5 to 1.5.17 pose significant security risks. It is crucial for users to update to version 1.5.18 or later to safeguard their installations. Additionally, employing workarounds and monitoring tools like Vulert can help mitigate risks until updates are applied.

See every vulnerability recorded for joomla/joomla-cms →

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FAQ

Cross-site Scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to data theft or session hijacking.

If you are using Joomla! version 1.5 through 1.5.17, your installation is vulnerable. You can check your version in the Joomla! admin panel or by using tools like Vulert.

Failing to address this vulnerability may expose your website to attacks that can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or defacement of your site.

Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors your software for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using just the composer.lock file. You can also check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground.

If immediate updates are not possible, implement strict access controls and monitor your site for any suspicious activity as a temporary measure.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for joomla/joomla-cms.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.5.18

This is the first release that contains the fix.

composer require joomla/joomla-cms:1.5.18

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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