CVE-2009-4341 in No indexed Search
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the No indexed Search (no_indexed_search) extension 0.2.0 for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unknown vectors.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2017
The CVE-2009-4341 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the no_indexed_search extension version 0.2.0 for the TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability exists in the search functionality of the extension, which is designed to provide search capabilities for indexed content within TYPO3 installations. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through unspecified input vectors, potentially enabling complete database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a core search extension that many TYPO3 installations rely upon for content discovery and user interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the no_indexed_search extension's query construction mechanisms. When users perform searches through the TYPO3 interface, the extension processes these search terms and incorporates them directly into SQL queries without proper parameterization or escaping. This primitive approach to query building creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can manipulate the SQL execution flow, allowing for arbitrary command execution against the underlying database. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack surface is broad as the vulnerability affects any TYPO3 installation using the affected extension version, regardless of the specific database backend being used.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4341 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive user credentials, modify content, inject malicious scripts, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system or network, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible TYPO3 installations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.005 for application layer protocol usage and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, with potential for lateral movement through database access and credential theft. Organizations running affected TYPO3 installations face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential system takeover.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4341 must focus on immediate remediation through version updates and comprehensive security hardening. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the no_indexed_search extension, as the original vulnerable version 0.2.0 has been superseded by secure releases. Organizations should also implement input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering and database-level query parameterization. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable TYPO3 installations to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their TYPO3 environments to identify other potentially vulnerable extensions or components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and secure coding practices in web applications. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated extensions to ensure compatibility with existing TYPO3 installations while maintaining security posture.