CVE-2009-4956 in Ws Stats
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Visitor Tracking (ws_stats) extension before 0.1.2 for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2018
The CVE-2009-4956 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Visitor Tracking extension known as ws_stats for the TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 0.1.2 and creates a significant security risk by allowing remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content into the application. The flaw exists in the extension's handling of user input and data processing, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses in web applications. This classification indicates that the vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the TYPO3 extension. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the attack could occur through multiple entry points within the extension's functionality, potentially including user profile fields, tracking parameters, or other interactive components that process user-supplied data. Attackers could exploit this flaw by crafting malicious input that gets stored and subsequently executed when other users view the affected content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. When remote attackers successfully exploit this XSS vulnerability, they can execute malicious scripts in the browser of authenticated users, potentially gaining access to sensitive information or performing unauthorized actions within the application. The implications are particularly severe in a CMS environment like TYPO3 where administrators and users may have elevated privileges, making the potential attack surface significantly larger. This vulnerability undermines the integrity of the web application and compromises user trust in the system's security.
Organizations utilizing TYPO3 with the affected ws_stats extension should prioritize immediate remediation through patching to version 0.1.2 or later, which addresses the XSS vulnerability through proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Additionally, implementing comprehensive input sanitization measures and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection. The mitigation strategy should also include regular security assessments and monitoring of web application components for similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date web application security controls and following secure coding practices that prevent injection attacks, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's techniques for command and control through web application exploitation.