CVE-2009-3819 in Maag Randomimage
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Random Images (maag_randomimage) extension 1.6.4 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3819 affects the Random Images extension version 1.6.4 and earlier within the TYPO3 content management system ecosystem. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary shell commands on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the extension's codebase, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized commands on the target server. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack surfaces within the extension could potentially be exploited, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for system administrators and security professionals.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories from the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically addressing command injection flaws and arbitrary code execution vulnerabilities. The flaw operates at the application level within TYPO3's extension architecture, where user-supplied data is improperly handled during image processing operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets processed by the extension and subsequently executed as shell commands on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input sanitization and output encoding, which are fundamental security principles in web application development.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3819 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system takeover and persistent backdoor installation. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the server hosting the TYPO3 instance, potentially leading to data theft, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using outdated TYPO3 extensions, particularly those that have not implemented proper security patching procedures or maintain comprehensive vulnerability management programs. Organizations running vulnerable versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential compromise of their entire web infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3819 require immediate action including updating the Random Images extension to version 1.6.5 or later, which contains the necessary security patches. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures and sanitize all user-supplied data before processing. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions and implementing proper access controls. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their TYPO3 installations and maintain up-to-date vulnerability scanning procedures. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of timely patch management and proper security configuration practices. The attack surface for such vulnerabilities can be reduced through proper code review processes and adherence to secure coding standards that prevent command injection flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.