Compassdesigns.net

Teaching - Web - Sailing

  • Home
  • Services

Admin Password Reset Vulnerability in Joomla 1.5

August 13, 2008 By barrie@compassdesigns.net Leave a Comment

A flaw in the reset token validation mechanism allows for non-validating tokens to be forged.
This will allow an unauthenticated, unauthorized user to reset the password of the first
enabled user (lowest id). Typically, this is an administrator user. Note, that changing the
first users username may lessen the impact of this exploit (since the person who changed the
password does not know the login associated with the new password). However, the only way to
completely rectify the issue is to upgrade to 1.5.6 (or patch the
/components/com_user/models/reset.php file).

On a related issue, this has made me think of how I set up Joomla sites in the future. You might want to follow these steps:

  1. Install Joomla et al
  2. Create a few users
  3. Create a new super admin with a user name other than "admin"
  4. Delete the original "admin" user created on installation

I claim no security expertise… but taking these steps might slow them down a little! 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Skinny

I am an entrepreneur, web consultant, author and educator.

I have been involved in starting a K-12 School District, a Private High School, and three web tech companies. I also wrote one of the original and best selling books on Joomla.

And I like sailing with kids.

Recent Posts

  • Teenager Invents New Type of Hunting Camo Suit
  • A Parent’s Guide to Proficiency Based Learning
  • Proficiency/Competency Based Learning in NGSS Classrooms
  • Hunting Camouflage Website Launched
  • Get More Email Newsletter Signups With These Easy Tips
  • Proficiency Based Learning Resources
  • Social Media Redux
  • How to turn off WordPress Comments if you use Disqus
  • The API was Yesterday. The Tomorrow is iPaaS
  • Left Hook Digital Named Zapier’s First Integration Developer Partner

Top Posts

  • Just another Blog Post by Louis Landry
  • How to set up a Joomla website for a School in under 30 seconds

Blogroll

See3D Camo

Blaze Orange Camo

Vermont CPR

Copyright © 2023 Compass Designs ยท Musings on Education, Life, Joomla and the Web by Barrie North