CVE-2005-4875 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE
TYPO3 3.8.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to misc/phpcheck/, which invokes the phpinfo function and prints values of unspecified environment variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4875 affects TYPO3 versions 3.8.0 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through improper access control mechanisms. This flaw enables remote attackers to directly access the misc/phpcheck/ endpoint, which subsequently executes the phpinfo function and exposes sensitive environment variables to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability represents a classic case of information disclosure through insecure direct object reference, where the application fails to properly authenticate or authorize access to internal diagnostic functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of access controls on the phpcheck/ endpoint within TYPO3's administrative framework. When an attacker makes a direct HTTP request to this specific path, the system processes the request without verifying the user's privileges or authentication status. The phpinfo function, which is designed for debugging and system information purposes, becomes accessible to any remote user who knows the endpoint location. This function reveals extensive details about the server configuration including PHP version, loaded extensions, system environment variables, and potentially sensitive configuration parameters that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The exposed environment variables may contain database connection strings, API keys, or other credential information that could lead to unauthorized access to backend systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure issues, and demonstrates how seemingly benign diagnostic functions can become attack vectors when improperly protected. The exposure of system configuration details also supports techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under reconnaissance phases, where adversaries gather system information to plan subsequent attacks.
Organizations running affected TYPO3 versions face immediate security risks as this vulnerability can be exploited without any special privileges or complex attack vectors. The remediation approach requires implementing proper access controls on the phpcheck/ endpoint, ensuring that only authenticated administrators can access diagnostic functions. System administrators should also consider removing or disabling diagnostic endpoints in production environments, as these features are typically intended for development and testing purposes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of principle of least privilege and proper input validation, with recommendations aligning with industry best practices for securing web applications and preventing unauthorized access to system information.