CVE-2009-2105 in References database
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the References database (t3references) extension 0.1.1 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2105 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the t3references database extension for TYPO3 content management systems. This issue affects versions 0.1.1 and earlier, where the extension fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL query constructs. The vulnerability exists in the References database component that handles relational data connections within TYPO3's framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through carefully crafted inputs. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple input points within the extension could potentially be exploited, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when unvalidated user input is directly concatenated into SQL statements without proper parameterization or input sanitization mechanisms. Attackers can manipulate the database queries by injecting malicious SQL code through various interface points, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying database records, or executing arbitrary commands on the underlying database server. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper database query parameterization techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it can lead to complete system compromise when attackers leverage the SQL injection to escalate privileges or gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing environments where TYPO3 installations are accessible to the public. The consequences may include unauthorized data access, data corruption, privilege escalation, and potential system takeover. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting database communication protocols through injection attacks. Organizations running affected TYPO3 installations face significant risk of data breaches and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2105 require immediate patching of the t3references extension to version 0.1.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the TYPO3 installation to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure that applications use least privilege principles when connecting to database systems. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses in custom extensions or core components. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts targeting their TYPO3 installations.