CVE-2010-3662 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE
TYPO3 before 4.1.14, 4.2.x before 4.2.13, 4.3.x before 4.3.4 and 4.4.x before 4.4.1 allows SQL Injection on the backend.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3662 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting TYPO3 content management systems across multiple version branches. This vulnerability specifically targets the backend administration interface of TYPO3 installations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The affected versions include TYPO3 4.1.13 and earlier, 4.2.12 and earlier, 4.3.3 and earlier, and 4.4.0 and earlier, indicating a widespread impact across the TYPO3 ecosystem during that time period. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the backend processing logic, allowing attackers to manipulate SQL queries through crafted input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the TYPO3 backend processes user input without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to inject malicious SQL code into database queries. This flaw falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, specifically manifesting as an injection vulnerability in the backend administrative components. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the administrative interface where attackers could potentially gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary database commands. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even delete entire database structures, depending on the permissions of the compromised backend account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system takeover when combined with other exploitation techniques. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can manipulate the content management system to serve malicious content, modify user accounts, or establish persistent backdoors within the TYPO3 installation. The backend access provided by this vulnerability allows for comprehensive system compromise, as administrative privileges typically grant access to all system functions and data. Organizations running affected TYPO3 versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where sensitive data is managed through the CMS.
Security professionals should immediately implement mitigations including applying the patched versions of TYPO3 as recommended by the vendor, which were released to address this specific vulnerability. The patching process should involve updating to TYPO3 versions 4.1.14, 4.2.13, 4.3.4, and 4.4.1 respectively, which contain proper input validation mechanisms. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns, conducting regular security audits of backend interfaces, and ensuring that administrative accounts are protected with strong authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect unauthorized SQL queries and establish network segmentation to limit access to backend systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service discovery, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing comprehensive threat detection strategies.