CVE-2009-3630 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE
The Backend subcomponent in TYPO3 4.0.13 and earlier, 4.1.x before 4.1.13, 4.2.x before 4.2.10, and 4.3.x before 4.3beta2 allows remote authenticated users to place arbitrary web sites in TYPO3 backend framesets via crafted parameters, related to a "frame hijacking" issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3630 represents a critical security flaw in the TYPO3 content management system that affects multiple version ranges including 4.0.13 and earlier, 4.1.x before 4.1.13, 4.2.x before 4.2.10, and 4.3.x before 4.3beta2. This issue resides within the Backend subcomponent of TYPO3 and constitutes a frame hijacking vulnerability that enables authenticated attackers to manipulate the backend interface through maliciously crafted parameters. The flaw specifically targets the frameset functionality that TYPO3 employs to organize its administrative interface, creating a pathway for attackers to inject arbitrary web content into the backend frameset structure. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and parameter sanitization within the backend processing logic, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the URL parameters that control frame destinations and content loading. This issue is particularly concerning because it operates within the administrative interface of the CMS, potentially providing attackers with unauthorized access to backend functionality and the ability to redirect administrators to malicious sites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied parameters within the backend frameset mechanism. When authenticated users interact with certain backend components, the system processes parameters that control frame destinations without adequate validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specific parameter values that manipulate the frameset configuration, causing the backend interface to load external content within its frames rather than the intended TYPO3 administrative pages. This creates a scenario where legitimate administrators might be redirected to malicious websites or have their administrative sessions compromised through frame-based attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-74 as a "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component" and relates to CWE-94 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" in the context of frame manipulation. The attack vector requires authentication, making it a privilege escalation issue that can be leveraged by attackers who have already gained access to a valid user account, potentially elevating their privileges within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3630 extends beyond simple information disclosure or unauthorized access to include potential session hijacking and malicious content injection attacks. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the backend frameset to load malicious websites that can perform various harmful activities including credential harvesting, phishing attacks, or serving malware to unsuspecting administrators. The frame hijacking capability provides attackers with a persistent method of compromising the backend environment, as administrators may unknowingly interact with malicious content loaded within the frameset. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent backdoors or maintain access to the system through manipulated backend interfaces. The impact is particularly severe in environments where TYPO3 administrators have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system information, as the malicious frames could potentially provide attackers with access to additional system resources or database information. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3630 focus primarily on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of TYPO3, specifically targeting versions 4.1.13, 4.2.10, and 4.3beta2 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all TYPO3 installations are updated promptly to prevent exploitation. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing strict input validation and parameter sanitization within their custom backend extensions to prevent similar issues from occurring in modified code. Network-level security measures including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection by monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Access control measures should be reinforced to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to backend administrative interfaces, and session management should be strengthened to prevent session hijacking attacks. Regular security audits of backend components and parameter handling mechanisms should be conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities similar to CVE-2009-3630. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized frame manipulation attempts within their TYPO3 installations, as this vulnerability can be difficult to detect through standard security scanning tools due to its reliance on authenticated access and specific parameter manipulation techniques.