CVE-2008-2718 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in fe_adminlib.inc in TYPO3 4.0.x before 4.0.9, 4.1.x before 4.1.7, and 4.2.x before 4.2.1, as used in extensions such as (1) direct_mail_subscription, (2) feuser_admin, and (3) kb_md5fepw, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2019
The CVE-2008-2718 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in TYPO3 content management systems affecting multiple version branches including 4.0.x before 4.0.9, 4.1.x before 4.1.7, and 4.2.x before 4.2.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the fe_adminlib.inc file which serves as a foundational library for frontend administration functionalities within TYPO3. The flaw exists within the core framework's handling of user input and presents a significant security risk to websites utilizing affected TYPO3 versions alongside extensions such as direct_mail_subscription, feuser_admin, and kb_md5fepw. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity.
The technical nature of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the TYPO3 administration libraries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious script code through unspecified vectors that typically involve user-controllable parameters or form fields processed by the fe_adminlib.inc component. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, creating opportunities for attackers to inject HTML or JavaScript code that executes in the context of authenticated users' browsers. This type of flaw falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting vulnerabilities and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Phishing with Malicious Attachments or links.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2718 extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user information, manipulate website content, and potentially escalate privileges within the TYPO3 administration interface. When exploited, the vulnerability can allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, modify website content, or redirect users to malicious sites. The affected extensions direct_mail_subscription, feuser_admin, and kb_md5fepw are particularly vulnerable as they likely interact with the compromised fe_adminlib.inc file during user registration, subscription management, or password reset processes. Organizations using these vulnerable systems face significant risk of data breaches, reputational damage, and potential compliance violations under various data protection regulations.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of TYPO3 4.0.9, 4.1.7, or 4.2.1 respectively, depending on their current version. Additionally, administrators should review and implement proper input validation mechanisms, implement Content Security Policy headers, and conduct thorough security audits of all affected extensions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing proper security controls such as output encoding and input sanitization. Security teams should also establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed logs of administrative activities to identify any unauthorized access or modifications. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments in web application development, particularly in content management systems that handle sensitive user data and administrative functions.