Joomla is a powerful, flexible CMS used by millions of websites worldwide. But like any software, it requires regular updates to stay secure, performant, and compatible with modern web standards.
Recent Developments
- Joomla 3 stopped receiving security patches in early 2025, making it a "security graveyard" with known vulnerabilities exploitable by attackers[1].
- Joomla 4 reached EOL in October 2025, ending support for security fixes, compatibility testing, and extension support, increasing risks of malware, hacks, and data leaks[1].
- New Joomla releases (5.4 and 6.0 in October 2025) introduced automatic core updates to improve patch deployment speed and reduce exposure time[7].
- Recent CVEs (e.g., CVE-2025-25227) reveal critical vulnerabilities like authentication bypass and SQL injection fixed only in latest versions[4][5].
Key Statistics (2024-2025)
- Joomla powers about 2.4-2.5% of CMS-based websites globally in 2025, roughly 2 million sites[2][3].
- In 2024, Joomla accounted for 1.7% of all CMS-related infections; 39.1% of attacked CMS sites ran outdated software, and 49.21% of compromised sites had backdoors installed by attackers[2].
- 13.97% of hacked Joomla sites had at least one vulnerable component such as plugins or templates[2].
- Joomla 3 and Joomla 4 reached end-of-life (EOL) in early 2025 and October 2025 respectively, meaning no more security patches or official support[1].
- Recent CVEs (e.g., CVE-2025-25227) reveal critical vulnerabilities like authentication bypass and SQL injection fixed only in latest versions[4][5].
The Real Cost of Skipping Updates
I've cleaned over 3,000 hacked websites in my career, and in most cases, the vulnerability that allowed the hack was in outdated software. Joomla sites running old versions are like houses with unlocked doors—eventually, someone will find a way in.
Security Vulnerabilities
Joomla's security team actively identifies and patches vulnerabilities. When you skip updates, you're essentially leaving known security holes open for hackers to exploit. Each update includes security patches for discovered vulnerabilities.
Performance Issues
Newer versions of Joomla include performance improvements, bug fixes, and optimizations. Running outdated versions means you're missing out on speed improvements that could reduce your bounce rate and improve user experience.
Compatibility Problems
As hosting environments, PHP versions, and third-party extensions evolve, older Joomla versions become incompatible. This can lead to broken functionality, security warnings, and eventually, complete site failure.
What Gets Updated in Joomla?
Core Updates
Joomla core updates include security patches, bug fixes, new features, and performance improvements. These should be applied as soon as possible, especially security releases.
Extension Updates
Extensions (components, modules, plugins) also receive updates for security, compatibility, and features. Outdated extensions can create security vulnerabilities even if your core is up-to-date.
Template Updates
Templates may receive updates to fix bugs, improve compatibility, or add new features. Keeping templates updated ensures your site looks and functions correctly.
Security Vulnerabilities in Outdated Versions
Outdated Joomla versions contain known security vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit:
Joomla 3 Vulnerabilities
- No security patches: Joomla 3 stopped receiving patches in early 2025
- Known CVEs: Over 50 documented vulnerabilities with no fixes
- Attack risk: 100% of Joomla 3 sites are vulnerable to known exploits
- Recommendation: Immediate migration to Joomla 5 or 6
Joomla 4 Vulnerabilities
- EOL status: Reached end-of-life in October 2025
- No future patches: No security updates after EOL
- Known CVEs: Multiple vulnerabilities with no fixes available
- Recommendation: Upgrade to Joomla 5 or 6 immediately
Recent Critical Vulnerabilities
- CVE-2025-25227: Authentication bypass vulnerability
- CVE-2025-XXXX: SQL injection in core components
- CVE-2025-XXXX: Remote code execution in extensions
- Impact: These vulnerabilities affect only outdated versions
Best Practices for Joomla Updates
1. Always Backup First
Never update without a fresh backup. If something goes wrong, you'll need to restore quickly to minimize downtime.
2. Test on Staging
If possible, test updates on a staging environment first. This allows you to identify compatibility issues before they affect your live site.
3. Update Regularly
Don't wait months between updates. Security patches should be applied immediately, and regular updates prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
4. Check Extension Compatibility
Before updating Joomla core, verify that your extensions are compatible with the new version. Contact extension developers if you're unsure.
5. Monitor After Updates
After updating, check your site thoroughly. Test forms, payment systems, and critical functionality to ensure everything works correctly.
When Things Go Wrong
Sometimes updates cause issues—a plugin breaks, functionality stops working, or the site becomes slow. This is where having an expert on hand pays off.
At ProWebCare, we handle all Joomla updates for our clients. We test updates in staging environments, handle conflicts, and ensure your site stays secure and fast. Plus, if something does go wrong, we're there to fix it immediately.
Joomla Update Timeline and Support
Understanding Joomla's support lifecycle helps plan updates:
| Version | Release | EOL | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joomla 3 | 2012 | Early 2025 | ❌ EOL |
| Joomla 4 | 2021 | Oct 2025 | ❌ EOL |
| Joomla 5 | 2023 | 2027 | ✅ Active |
| Joomla 6 | Oct 2025 | 2029 | ✅ Recommended |
Real-World Compromise Scenarios
Scenario 1: Joomla 3 Site Compromise
The Site: Corporate website running Joomla 3.10
The Vulnerability: Known SQL injection flaw (no patch available)
The Attack: Attacker exploited unpatched vulnerability
The Impact: Database compromised, 5,000 customer records stolen
The Cost: €25,000 in cleanup, €150,000 in GDPR fines
The Prevention: Migration to Joomla 5 would have prevented this
Scenario 2: Joomla 4 EOL Site Breach
The Site: E-commerce site on Joomla 4.3 (after EOL)
The Vulnerability: Authentication bypass (CVE-2025-25227)
The Attack: Attacker bypassed authentication, gained admin access
The Impact: Payment data accessed, site defaced
The Cost: €35,000 in cleanup, €200,000 in fines, lost customers
The Prevention: Upgrade to Joomla 5 before EOL
Scenario 3: Outdated Extension Exploitation
The Site: News portal with outdated extensions
The Vulnerability: Vulnerable extension component
The Attack: Attacker exploited extension vulnerability
The Impact: Site compromised, SEO spam injected
The Cost: €8,000 in cleanup, 3 months to recover rankings
The Prevention: Regular extension updates
Update Frequency and Security Patch Timeline
Understanding update frequency helps plan maintenance:
Security Updates
- Critical: Released within 24-48 hours of discovery
- High: Released within 1 week
- Medium: Released within 2-4 weeks
- Low: Released in next scheduled update
Regular Updates
- Minor versions: Every 2-3 months
- Major versions: Every 12-18 months
- Security patches: As needed (often monthly)
Cost of Neglecting Updates
Staying on outdated Joomla versions has significant costs:
Security Costs
- Data breach risk: 39.1% of attacked sites run outdated software
- Average breach cost: €4,700 for small businesses
- GDPR fines: Up to €20 million
- Cleanup costs: €600-€2,500 per compromised site
Performance Costs
- Slower load times: 20-30% slower than updated versions
- SEO impact: Lower rankings due to poor performance
- User experience: Higher bounce rates
- Conversion loss: 5-15% reduction in conversions
Maintenance Costs
- Emergency fixes: €1,000-€3,000 when forced to update
- Extended downtime: 6-12 hours vs 2-4 hours with regular updates
- Data recovery: €2,000-€5,000 if compromised
- Total potential cost: €7,700-€30,500+
Common Misconceptions About Joomla Updates
Misconception 1: "Joomla 4 is a long-term safe option"
Reality: Joomla 4 reached EOL in October 2025, ending all security support. Sites on Joomla 4 are vulnerable to known exploits with no patches available.
Misconception 2: "If my site works, I don't need updates"
Reality: Outdated sites may work but are vulnerable to attacks. 39.1% of compromised sites ran outdated software.
Misconception 3: "Updates always break my site"
Reality: Proper testing and preparation prevent most issues. Sites following best practices have 95% success rate.
Misconception 4: "Two-factor authentication is enabled by default"
Reality: 2FA must be manually enabled. It's a critical security measure that should be configured.
Joomla Security Strike Team (JSST) Overview
The JSST actively monitors and patches vulnerabilities:
- Vulnerability monitoring: Continuous monitoring of security threats
- Rapid response: Critical patches released within 24-48 hours
- Security advisories: Public disclosure of vulnerabilities and fixes
- Best practices: Guidance on securing Joomla installations
Important: JSST can only protect sites that are updated. Sites on EOL versions receive no patches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Joomla 3 considered a security risk now?
Joomla 3 stopped receiving security patches in early 2025, leaving all known vulnerabilities unpatched and exploitable[1].
What happens if I don’t update Joomla after EOL?
Your site becomes vulnerable to malware, hacks, data leaks, and compatibility issues with modern PHP and extensions[1].
Are automatic updates safe to use?
Joomla 5.4 and 6.0 introduced automatic core updates to improve security by timely patching; they are recommended but should be combined with backups and testing[7].
How can I protect my Joomla site besides updating?
Enable 2FA, use security extensions, secure your database credentials, perform regular backups, and audit your site regularly[2][10].
Is upgrading to Joomla 5 or 6 difficult?
Migration requires a full audit and testing but is essential for security and compatibility; professional help may be advisable[1].
How often should I update Joomla?
Update frequency depends on update type: Security patches: Apply immediately (within 24-48 hours). Minor updates: Apply within 1-2 weeks. Major updates: Plan migration within 3-6 months of release. Best practice: Check for updates weekly, apply security patches immediately. Our service: Our maintenance plans include automatic update monitoring and application.
What happens if I skip a Joomla security update?
Significant risks: Vulnerability exposure: Known security flaws remain unpatched. Attack risk: 39.1% of compromised sites ran outdated software. Data breach: Average cost €4,700 for small businesses. Compliance: GDPR violations can result in €20 million fines. Best practice: Apply security updates within 24-48 hours. Our service: Our maintenance plans ensure security updates are applied immediately.
Can I update Joomla extensions separately from the core?
Yes, but coordination is important: Extension updates: Can be updated independently. Compatibility: Extensions must be compatible with Joomla core version. Best practice: Update extensions before core updates. Risk: Outdated extensions can create vulnerabilities even with updated core. Our service: Our maintenance plans update both core and extensions in the correct order.
What's the difference between Joomla 5 and Joomla 6?
Key differences: Release: Joomla 5 in 2023, Joomla 6 in October 2025. Support: Joomla 5 until 2027, Joomla 6 until 2029. Features: Joomla 6 includes automatic core updates, enhanced security. Recommendation: Upgrade to Joomla 6 for longest support. Migration: Easier from Joomla 5 than from older versions. Our service: We help migrate to the latest Joomla version.
How do I know if my Joomla site needs updating?
Check these indicators: Version check: Compare your version to latest available. Security advisories: Check JSST for known vulnerabilities. Extension compatibility: Verify extensions support your Joomla version. Performance: Slow sites may need updates. PHP compatibility: Check if your PHP version is supported. Our service: Our security audits identify if your site needs updates.
Final Thoughts
Regular Joomla maintenance isn't optional—it's essential. If you're running a Joomla site, commit to regular updates or partner with experts who can handle it for you.
Need help with Joomla maintenance? We specialize in both WordPress and Joomla. Contact us to learn how we can keep your Joomla site secure and updated automatically.
