CVE-2010-5100 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Install Tool in TYPO3 4.2.x before 4.2.16, 4.3.x before 4.3.9, and 4.4.x before 4.4.5 allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2019
The CVE-2010-5100 vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in the TYPO3 content management system that affected multiple versions including 4.2.x before 4.2.16, 4.3.x before 4.3.9, and 4.4.x before 4.4.5. This vulnerability specifically targets the Install Tool component which serves as a critical administrative interface for TYPO3 system configuration and maintenance tasks. The affected system components operate within the broader context of web application security where authenticated users possess elevated privileges to perform system-level operations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers who have already gained some level of access to the system.
The technical flaw manifests through multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that exist within the Install Tool's input validation mechanisms. These vulnerabilities occur when the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in web responses, creating opportunities for malicious scripts to be executed within the context of authenticated user sessions. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through various input fields or parameters within the installation and configuration interfaces, making it difficult to predict all potential attack paths. This class of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-5100 extends beyond simple data theft or display manipulation as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML content within authenticated user sessions. This means that an attacker who has already gained access to the TYPO3 system through other means could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of legitimate users. The authenticated nature of the attack vector is particularly concerning as it indicates that the vulnerability does not require the attacker to be completely unauthorized, but rather to have some level of legitimate access that can be exploited to gain further control. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves executing malicious code through web-based attack vectors, and T1548.002 which covers privilege escalation through legitimate credentials.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically occurs when authenticated users interact with the compromised Install Tool interface, making it a prime target for attacks that rely on social engineering or credential compromise. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable TYPO3 system, execute in the context of other authenticated users' browsers. This creates a persistent threat where the attacker's malicious code can remain active for extended periods, potentially allowing for ongoing surveillance or data exfiltration. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version streams demonstrates a systemic issue in the TYPO3 codebase's input handling and sanitization processes that required immediate patching across the affected release branches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-5100 primarily involve applying the official security patches released by TYPO3 for the affected versions, which typically include enhanced input validation and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure that all TYPO3 installations are updated to secure versions. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block XSS attempts, restricting access to the Install Tool to trusted IP addresses only, and monitoring system logs for suspicious activity. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege access controls should be enforced to limit the potential damage from any successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in web application development, particularly for administrative interfaces that handle sensitive configuration data and user credentials.