CVE-2010-4962 in webkitpdf
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Webkit PDFs (webkitpdf) extension before 1.1.4 for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4962 represents a critical security flaw within the Webkit PDFs extension for TYPO3 content management system. This issue affects versions prior to 1.1.4 and exposes the system to remote code execution attacks through unspecified attack vectors that remain undisclosed in the initial vulnerability report. The Webkit PDFs extension serves as a component that enables PDF rendering capabilities within TYPO3 environments, making it a potential entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability may stem from improper input validation, insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data, or flawed processing of PDF files within the extension's codebase.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies within the extension's handling of PDF-related data processing and rendering functions. When TYPO3 processes PDF content through the webkitpdf extension, the system likely parses and renders PDF files without adequate security controls to prevent malicious code injection. This flaw allows remote attackers to craft specially formatted PDF files or manipulate input parameters that trigger unexpected code execution within the server environment. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue indicates that attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The lack of specific details about the precise attack vectors aligns with common practices in vulnerability disclosure where detailed technical information is initially withheld to allow vendors time for patch development.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4962 extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass complete system takeover capabilities for attackers. Successful exploitation could enable malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, potentially leading to data theft, service disruption, or further network infiltration. Organizations running TYPO3 installations with vulnerable webkitpdf extensions face significant risk exposure, particularly those hosting user-uploaded content or public-facing websites that process PDF documents. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This characteristic makes the flaw particularly attractive to automated attack tools and organized threat groups seeking to compromise multiple web applications simultaneously. The potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks further amplifies the security implications of this vulnerability.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4962 center on immediate patching and version updates to the webkitpdf extension. Organizations should upgrade to version 1.1.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to address the remote code execution vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network-level security controls such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection while awaiting patch deployment. Input validation and sanitization measures should be enhanced to prevent malicious PDF content from being processed by the extension. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable extension across their TYPO3 installations and establish monitoring protocols for suspicious activities. The vulnerability's classification aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-77 and CWE-94, which cover command injection and code execution flaws respectively. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability would be categorized under the execution and privilege escalation phases of the kill chain, potentially supporting techniques described in the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Regular security audits and application security testing should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other TYPO3 extensions and prevent future exploitation attempts.