Executive brief
The Helix3 plugin for Joomla, a popular framework used to build and design websites, contains a security flaw in its communication handler. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this to delete website files, modify configuration data, or change template settings without needing a password. This could lead to a complete website outage, loss of data, or unauthorized changes to the site's appearance and functionality.
Technical details
An improper access control vulnerability (CWE-284) exists in the Helix3 extension for Joomla (versions 1.0 through 3.1.1). The extension exposes an AJAX handler task that fails to properly validate user authorization. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can leverage this endpoint to perform unauthorized actions, including the deletion of arbitrary files on the server, writing arbitrary JSON files, and modifying template parameters. This can lead to data loss, integrity compromise, and potential site takeover. Users should update to a version beyond 3.1.1 if available.
Affected products
- JoomShaper Helix3 extension for Joomla 1.0-3.1.1
Timeline
- 2026-06-29: disclosed: CVE-2026-49049 published by the Joomla! Project