CVE-2008-2489 in Sg Zfelib
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Library for Frontend Plugins (aka sg_zfelib) extension 1.1.512 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified "user input."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2017
The CVE-2008-2489 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Library for Frontend Plugins extension for TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability affects versions 1.1.512 and earlier, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on TYPO3 for their web presence. The flaw resides in how the sg_zfelib extension processes user input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability's severity stems from its ability to enable remote code execution through database command injection, potentially allowing attackers to access, modify, or delete sensitive information stored within the TYPO3 system's database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic SQL injection attack vector where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. When the extension processes frontend plugin requests, it fails to adequately validate or escape input parameters that are subsequently used in database operations. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities in software applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at the frontend plugin level, meaning that malicious input could be introduced through various user-facing interfaces within the TYPO3 system, including forms, search functions, or parameterized URLs.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2489 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. This could result in complete database compromise, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive user information, system configurations, or business-critical data. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible TYPO3 installations. Organizations running affected versions face potential data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and significant operational disruption. The attack could also serve as a foothold for further system compromise, potentially enabling lateral movement within network environments or privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected organizations, including upgrading to the patched version of the sg_zfelib extension or implementing proper input validation measures. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection patterns, while conducting comprehensive security audits of all frontend plugins and extensions. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated extension to ensure compatibility with existing system configurations. Organizations should also implement proper database access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized database activities, aligning with ATT&CK framework's T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol tunneling and T1046 for network service scanning. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar issues in other system components, particularly focusing on input validation and parameterized query implementation across all database interactions within the TYPO3 environment.