CVE-2010-2131 in Cal
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Calendar Base (cal) extension before 1.3.2 for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via iCalendar data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2019
The CVE-2010-2131 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Calendar Base extension for TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.3.2 and resides in the iCalendar data processing functionality of the cal extension. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands through improperly sanitized iCalendar data inputs, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the calendar extension's data handling processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Calendar Base extension processes iCalendar data without proper sanitization of user-supplied inputs. Attackers can craft malicious iCalendar files containing SQL injection payloads that bypass normal input validation checks. When the TYPO3 system processes these malformed calendar entries, the unsanitized data flows directly into SQL queries, allowing attackers to manipulate database operations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to code execution vulnerabilities. The attack vector leverages the extension's failure to properly escape or validate special characters within iCalendar data fields such as event titles, descriptions, or location information.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2131 extends far beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access. Successful exploitation can result in complete database compromise, allowing attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and system configurations. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized database operations such as data modification, deletion, or even privilege escalation within the database environment. This threat landscape aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046 which involves network service discovery. Organizations using affected TYPO3 installations face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2131 primarily focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Calendar Base extension version 1.3.2 or later, which includes proper input sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation for all calendar data fields, including iCalendar file processing, and employ parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual calendar data processing patterns and unauthorized database access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all external data inputs and implementing proper security controls as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines, particularly focusing on input validation and secure coding practices.