CVE-2010-3663 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 contains an insecure default value of the variable fileDenyPattern which could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the backend.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3663 affects TYPO3 content management systems across multiple version branches including 4.1.x 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. This security flaw resides in the default configuration of the fileDenyPattern variable, which serves as a critical access control mechanism within the TYPO3 backend. The insecure default value creates a significant security gap that enables remote attackers to bypass file access restrictions and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected systems. The vulnerability represents a classic example of insecure default configuration that can lead to privilege escalation and remote code execution in web applications.
The technical flaw stems from the improper default setting of the fileDenyPattern parameter, which is designed to restrict access to specific file types and directories within the TYPO3 backend. When this variable is set with insecure defaults, it fails to properly filter or deny access to potentially dangerous file extensions such as php, phtml, or other scripting formats that could be exploited for code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application level where user-supplied input is not adequately sanitized before being processed by the file handling mechanisms. This allows attackers to upload or modify files with malicious code that can be executed within the context of the web server, effectively providing a backdoor for unauthorized access and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the backend systems. This can result in complete system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, install malware, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against other network resources. The vulnerability affects not only individual web applications but also the broader security posture of organizations relying on TYPO3 for content management, potentially leading to significant financial losses, regulatory compliance issues, and reputational damage. The remote exploitation aspect means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3663 should prioritize immediate patching of affected TYPO3 installations to the latest secure versions within the supported release branches. Organizations must also conduct thorough security assessments of their TYPO3 environments to identify any custom configurations that may have overridden the default fileDenyPattern settings. System administrators should implement additional security controls including network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper output sanitization, and CWE-276, which covers insecure default permissions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1190, Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables remote code execution through web application exploitation. Regular security audits and vulnerability management processes should be implemented to prevent similar insecure default configurations from being introduced in future deployments.