CVE-2010-3673 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE
TYPO3 before 4.2.13, 4.3.x before 4.3.4 and 4.4.x before 4.4.1 allows information disclosure in the mail header of the HTML mailing API.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3673 represents a significant information disclosure issue within the TYPO3 content management system affecting multiple version ranges including versions prior to 4.2.13, 4.3.x versions before 4.3.4, and 4.4.x versions before 4.4.1. This flaw specifically impacts the HTML mailing API component of TYPO3 which is responsible for generating and sending email messages through the system. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of mail headers within the HTML email generation process, creating a potential vector for attackers to extract sensitive information from the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the HTML mailing API where the system fails to properly sanitize or escape mail header values before incorporating them into outgoing email messages. When TYPO3 processes HTML emails, it constructs mail headers that may contain user-supplied data or internal system information. The lack of proper input validation and sanitization in this process allows malicious actors to manipulate the mail header content in ways that can reveal information about the underlying system, including server configurations, internal paths, or other sensitive metadata. This issue directly relates to CWE-200, which defines weaknesses that expose information to unauthorized actors, and specifically addresses improper information protection mechanisms within web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3673 extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that may facilitate more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gather information about the TYPO3 installation, server environment, or internal network structures that would otherwise remain hidden. This information disclosure could be leveraged to identify other potential vulnerabilities in the system or to plan targeted attacks against the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized access to information that should remain protected within the system's internal operations.
Organizations running affected TYPO3 versions should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommended action involves upgrading to patched versions of TYPO3 as specified in the advisory, which includes versions 4.2.13, 4.3.4, and 4.4.1 respectively. Additionally, system administrators should review and implement proper input validation mechanisms for all user-supplied data that might be processed within email headers. Security teams should monitor email traffic for any unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential abuse of this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the upgrade does not introduce compatibility issues with existing email functionality within the TYPO3 installation. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper header sanitization and input validation in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1213 which covers data from information repositories, and emphasizes the need for robust security controls in email processing components of content management systems.