Information Disclosure via X-Joomla-Version Header

Description

The 'X-Joomla-Version' header discloses the specific Joomla version the application is running. Attackers can leverage this information to identify known security flaws, exploit unpatched issues, or launch targeted scanning against Joomla plugins and extensions. By revealing which Joomla release is in use, malicious actors may craft exploits tailored to that version’s vulnerabilities or default settings. Ultimately, exposing this header broadens your application's attack surface by enabling attackers to focus efforts on well-documented Joomla weaknesses or misconfigurations.

Remediation

Remove or mask the 'X-Joomla-Version' header in your server or Joomla configuration to prevent unauthorized parties from identifying the platform version. Keep your Joomla installation updated with all relevant patches and security releases. Regularly audit plugins and extensions to ensure they are patched or replaced if a vulnerability is discovered. If you use reverse proxies or load balancers, configure them to strip or rewrite technology-specific headers before responses leave the internal network. Additionally, a Web Application Firewall (WAF) can help detect and block known Joomla-related attacks, reducing the risk of exploitation stemming from version disclosure.

References

Severity

Owasp

Code: A05:2021

Category: Security Misconfiguration

Classification