CVE-2008-6594 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the cm_rdfexport extension for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2018
The CVE-2008-6594 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the cm_rdfexport extension for the TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability resides in the extension's handling of user input within sql query construction processes, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters. The flaw specifically affects versions of TYPO3 that utilize the cm_rdfexport extension, where improper input sanitization allows malicious actors to inject sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account. The vulnerability operates by failing to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql statements, enabling attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a fundamental weakness in application security where untrusted data is embedded into sql queries without proper sanitization. The attack surface extends beyond simple data extraction to include potential data modification, deletion, and privilege escalation within the database environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-6594 extends significantly beyond basic sql injection attacks, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying database system. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform comprehensive database reconnaissance, extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations, or even modify database contents to disrupt service availability. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or direct network connections to the database server itself. Instead, they can target the web application layer through the TYPO3 interface where the cm_rdfexport extension is implemented, making the attack vector more accessible and potentially more widespread. This vulnerability can be particularly devastating in environments where TYPO3 serves as a core component of enterprise web applications, as it may provide access to critical business data and user information. The exploitability of this vulnerability is further enhanced by the fact that it requires no specialized tools beyond standard web application attack frameworks, making it accessible to attackers of varying skill levels. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which describes application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 which covers exploit for lateral movement through remote services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6594 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements within the TYPO3 environment. The primary solution involves upgrading to patched versions of the cm_rdfexport extension or removing the extension entirely from affected TYPO3 installations. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components. Database access controls should be strictly enforced using the principle of least privilege, ensuring that application database accounts have minimal necessary permissions. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and sql injection detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses across all application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices, particularly in legacy systems where extensions may not receive ongoing support. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unusual sql query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Given the age of this vulnerability and its classification as a critical security flaw, immediate action is required to prevent exploitation by threat actors who may be actively scanning for vulnerable systems. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched extensions to ensure compatibility with existing TYPO3 configurations while maintaining security integrity throughout the upgrade process.