CVE-2008-4658 in JobControl
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the JobControl (dmmjobcontrol) 1.15.4 and earlier extension for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2018
The CVE-2008-4658 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the JobControl extension for TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability affects versions 1.15.4 and earlier, making it a significant concern for organizations utilizing TYPO3 platforms that have not upgraded to patched versions. The flaw resides in how the dmmjobcontrol extension processes user input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through carefully crafted inputs. The vulnerability's classification as remote allows attackers to exploit the flaw without requiring physical access to the system, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential impact.
The technical implementation of this sql injection vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the JobControl extension's database interaction mechanisms. When user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization, attackers can inject malicious sql code that executes with the privileges of the affected database user. This particular vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors, suggesting that multiple input points within the extension could serve as entry points for exploitation. The lack of specific vector identification in the original description indicates that the vulnerability may be widespread across various functions within the extension's codebase. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89 sql injection, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a command and control activity under the execution tactic, where adversaries leverage the compromised system to execute arbitrary code against the database.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4658 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers could extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the TYPO3 database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete database contents, potentially causing system instability or data corruption. Organizations running affected TYPO3 installations face significant risks including regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Additionally, the compromised system could serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure, especially if the database user has elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4658 require immediate action including upgrading to the latest version of the JobControl extension where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures across all user-facing interfaces and database interactions. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database users have minimal required permissions rather than administrative access. Regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other extensions or custom code. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to database servers and restrict communication paths. The use of web application firewalls and sql injection detection systems provides additional layers of protection. Organizations should also maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes and ensure all third-party components are regularly monitored for security updates. Proper logging and monitoring of database activities can help detect suspicious queries that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure no regression issues affect system functionality while maintaining the security improvements.