CVE-2009-4710 in Cwt Resetbepassword
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Reset backend password (cwt_resetbepassword) extension 1.20 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2026
The CVE-2009-4710 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Reset backend password extension for TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability affects versions 1.20 and earlier, specifically targeting the cwt_resetbepassword extension which provides administrative password reset functionality. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through unspecified input vectors, potentially compromising the entire TYPO3 installation and underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity stems from its ability to execute arbitrary SQL operations without proper input validation or sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the extension's backend password reset functionality where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate sanitization measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that manipulates the SQL execution flow, potentially allowing them to extract sensitive database information, modify administrative credentials, or even gain complete database access. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple input points within the extension could serve as entry points for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may not be easily predictable or restricted to a single attack surface. This type of vulnerability typically maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4710 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with potential administrative control over TYPO3 installations. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to modify content, steal user credentials, access confidential data, or establish persistent backdoors within the web infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using older TYPO3 versions where the cwt_resetbepassword extension is installed, as these systems lack the security hardening present in newer releases. Organizations running affected systems face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations that could result in substantial financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4710 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected TYPO3 extension to version 1.21 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and parameterized queries to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom code implementations. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection layers, though they should not be considered complete solutions. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected extension and ensure proper access controls are implemented for administrative functions. The remediation process must also include monitoring for potential exploitation attempts and implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers leverage publicly accessible web applications to gain unauthorized access to systems. Regular security updates and vulnerability management programs are essential to prevent similar issues in future deployments, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing proper security controls.