# CVE-2020-37219: Joomla com_fabrik directory traversal in image element

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2020-37219-joomla-com-fabrik-directory-traversal-in-image-element  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-05-13. Updated: 2026-05-14  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2020-37219 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-05-13

The Fabrik extension for Joomla, a tool used to build custom database-driven applications and forms, contains a security flaw. An unauthenticated attacker can remotely browse and list files on the server that should be private. This could lead to the exposure of sensitive system information or configuration files, potentially aiding further attacks.

Technologies: [Fabrik](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/fabrik). Vendors: [Fabrik](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/fabrik).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2020-37219 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2020-37219 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2020-37219?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 13 May 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Fabrik <= 3.9.11.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2020-37219?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2020-37219 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2020-37219?** Check whether you run Fabrik at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A directory traversal vulnerability exists in the 'image' element plugin of the Joomla com_fabrik extension (specifically version 3.9.11 and likely earlier). The root cause is insufficient sanitization of the 'folder' parameter within the 'onAjax_files' method in 'fabrik_element/image/image.php'. An unauthenticated attacker can send a crafted GET request containing path traversal sequences (e.g., '../../') to the 'onAjax_files' method. This allows the attacker to bypass the intended web root restrictions and list the contents of arbitrary directories on the server's filesystem. While the vulnerability allows for file enumeration, it does not directly provide file read or write capabilities.

## Affected products

- Joomla com_fabrik <= 3.9.11

## Timeline

- 2020-03-30: disclosed: Initial exploit published on Exploit-DB
- 2026-05-13: advisory: NVD/VulnCheck advisory published

## References

- [https://fabrikar.com/](https://fabrikar.com/)
- [https://fabrikar.com/downloads](https://fabrikar.com/downloads)
- [https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48263](https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/48263)
- [https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/joomla-com-fabrik-directory-traversal-via-image-php](https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/joomla-com-fabrik-directory-traversal-via-image-php)

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