CVE-2008-5087 in Another Backend Login
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in TYPO3 Another Backend Login (wrg_anotherbelogin) extension before 0.0.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2017
The CVE-2008-5087 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the TYPO3 Another Backend Login extension, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.0.4. This vulnerability resides within the TYPO3 content management system ecosystem, where the wrg_anotherbelogin extension was designed to provide additional backend login functionality. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through unspecified input vectors, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the backend authentication mechanism, which serves as a primary entry point for administrative access to TYPO3 installations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the extension's codebase. When user-supplied data is processed without proper escaping or parameterization, it creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate SQL query structures. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may manifest across multiple input points within the authentication flow, including but not limited to username, password, or session parameters. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications through SQL injection attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices where dynamic SQL queries are constructed using user-controllable input without proper sanitization measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5087 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the database user account. This could lead to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, modification of backend user accounts, and potentially full system compromise if the database server has elevated privileges. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate their access within the TYPO3 environment, gaining administrative control over the entire content management system. The attack surface is particularly wide as the vulnerability affects the backend login functionality, meaning that any user attempting to access the TYPO3 administration interface could be exploited. The risk is amplified by the fact that TYPO3 installations often contain sensitive organizational data and may serve as targets for advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center around immediate patching of the affected extension to version 0.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable extension across their TYPO3 installations. Beyond patching, implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. Network segmentation and database access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing functionality, while also establishing monitoring procedures to detect any potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to maintain secure development practices and prevent recurrence of similar vulnerabilities in other components of the TYPO3 ecosystem.