CVE-2009-4954 in Sk Calendar
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Versatile Calendar Extension [VCE] (sk_calendar) extension before 0.3.4 for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2018
The CVE-2009-4954 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Versatile Calendar Extension for TYPO3, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.3.4. This vulnerability resides in the sk_calendar extension which is widely used for calendar functionality within TYPO3 content management systems. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to manipulate database queries without authentication, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to exploit TYPO3 installations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the calendar extension's database query construction process. Attackers can inject malicious SQL payloads through unspecified vectors within the extension's parameter handling mechanisms, bypassing normal security controls. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command strings without proper sanitization or parameterization. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core database interaction mechanisms, allowing attackers to perform read, write, and delete operations on the database without requiring legitimate user credentials or session tokens.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations running TYPO3 systems with the affected calendar extension. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, including user credentials, personal information, and business-critical records stored in the database. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise through database manipulation, privilege escalation, and even backdoor installation. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1071.005 - Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it exploits web application vulnerabilities to gain database access. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage if sensitive data is compromised through such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4954 primarily focus on immediate patching of the affected TYPO3 extension to version 0.3.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterized query construction. System administrators should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious SQL injection patterns. Database access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are enforced, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their TYPO3 installations to identify other potentially vulnerable extensions and ensure all third-party components are regularly updated. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust input validation practices across all web application components.