CVE-2008-5801 in Dictionary Extension
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Dictionary (rtgdictionary) extension 0.1.9 and earlier for TYPO3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5801 affects the Dictionary extension version 0.1.9 and earlier within the TYPO3 content management system. This represents a critical security flaw that falls under the category of unspecified vulnerability types, making it particularly dangerous as the exact attack vectors remain unclear. The TYPO3 platform, widely used for enterprise web applications, hosts this vulnerable extension that provides dictionary functionality for content management operations. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability means that attackers could potentially exploit multiple pathways within the extension's codebase to achieve unauthorized code execution, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on this software stack.
The technical flaw within the rtgdictionary extension stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system. This type of vulnerability typically arises when user-supplied data is not properly filtered or escaped before being processed by the application. The extension's failure to implement proper security controls creates an attack surface where malicious inputs can be transformed into executable commands. Given that this affects version 0.1.9 and earlier, it indicates that the vulnerability existed for an extended period without proper mitigation, suggesting either insufficient security review processes or delayed patch deployment within the TYPO3 ecosystem. The lack of specific details about the exact exploitation method makes this vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against as security teams cannot determine precise protective measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain full control over affected systems. Successful exploitation could enable unauthorized users to access sensitive data, modify content, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the organization's network infrastructure. Organizations utilizing vulnerable TYPO3 installations may face data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the nature of data processed through the compromised system. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used CMS platform means that organizations across various industries could be at risk, particularly those with legacy systems that have not been properly updated or patched. Security incidents resulting from such vulnerabilities often lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5801 primarily focus on immediate remediation through patching and updating the affected TYPO3 extension to a secure version. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to the latest version of the rtgdictionary extension that addresses this vulnerability, while also implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect any suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection, though these measures are secondary to proper patch management. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable extension within their infrastructure and ensure that proper access controls are implemented to limit potential damage from exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories related to command injection and code execution vulnerabilities, and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms that attackers typically employ when exploiting such vulnerabilities in content management systems.