CVE-2009-4160 in Kk Downloader
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Simple download-system with counter and categories (kk_downloader) extension 1.2.1 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unknown attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4160 affects the kk_downloader extension version 1.2.1 and earlier within the TYPO3 content management system ecosystem. This represents a critical information disclosure flaw that exists within a module designed for managing file downloads and maintaining download counters. The vulnerability resides in the simple download system that handles both file tracking and categorization functions, making it a potential entry point for attackers seeking to extract sensitive data from the targeted TYPO3 installation. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains unclear, but the impact is significant enough to warrant immediate attention from security practitioners.
The technical flaw manifests through unknown attack vectors that enable remote exploitation without requiring authentication or privileged access. This suggests the vulnerability may be present in how the extension processes user input, handles file access requests, or manages internal data structures. The kk_downloader extension likely processes download requests through web-based interfaces that could be manipulated to bypass normal access controls or reveal internal system information. Based on typical patterns in similar vulnerabilities, the issue may involve improper input validation, insecure direct object references, or inadequate access control mechanisms within the extension's codebase. The vulnerability's classification as information disclosure aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack mitigation framework.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using affected TYPO3 installations, as remote attackers can potentially access sensitive information that may include file paths, system configurations, user data, or internal application logic. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure to potentially enable further exploitation attempts such as privilege escalation, system compromise, or additional reconnaissance activities. Organizations relying on this download system may unknowingly expose confidential data to unauthorized parties, potentially violating data protection regulations and compromising system integrity. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage it from external networks without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through extension updates to versions that address the information disclosure flaw. Organizations must ensure they are running patched versions of the kk_downloader extension and perform comprehensive security assessments of their TYPO3 installations. Network-level protections including firewall rules, web application firewalls, and access control lists can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security audits should examine all TYPO3 extensions for similar vulnerabilities, as this flaw likely represents a broader pattern of insecure coding practices within the extension ecosystem. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining updated security frameworks and following secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the common weakness enumeration and attack technique frameworks. Organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for handling such security events.