CVE-2008-3038 in Address Directory
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Address Directory (sp_directory) extension 0.2.10 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2017
The CVE-2008-3038 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Address Directory extension for TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability affects versions 0.2.10 and earlier, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing TYPO3 platforms. The flaw resides in the sp_directory extension which handles address directory functionality, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise web applications. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without proper authentication or authorization, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Address Directory extension. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to inject malicious sql code into the application's database queries. This occurs when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql statements without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector typically involves manipulating parameters passed to the extension's functions, where the application fails to properly validate or escape user inputs before incorporating them into database operations. The extension's failure to implement proper input sanitization creates an environment where malicious sql commands can be executed with the privileges of the database user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network infrastructures. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from databases, modify or delete critical records, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the affected TYPO3 installations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to conduct attacks, significantly increasing the attack surface and threat exposure. Organizations may experience service disruption, data breaches, and compliance violations when such vulnerabilities are exploited, particularly in environments where personal information or business-critical data is stored within the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3038 should prioritize immediate patching of the Address Directory extension to versions that address the sql injection vulnerability. Organizations must implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their TYPO3 installations to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected extension within their environments and ensure proper access controls are implemented. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be enforced to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures and proper input validation practices to prevent such attacks from succeeding.