CVE-2011-3584 in wec_discussion Extension
Summary
by MITRE
The TYPO3 Core wec_discussion extension before 2.1.1 is vulnerable to SQL Injection due to improper sanitation of user-supplied input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3584 affects the TYPO3 Core wec_discussion extension version 2.1.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes systems to unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the extension's codebase, specifically failing to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The vulnerability manifests when the extension processes user input through web forms or API endpoints that interact with the underlying database, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL commands. The flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of input validation and database query construction, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems that rely heavily on user-generated content processing.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when the wec_discussion extension fails to employ proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that includes SQL payload sequences, which then get executed within the database context without proper filtering or escaping. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. When successfully exploited, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized privilege escalation within the affected TYPO3 installation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a core extension that handles user discussions and comments, making it a common target for attackers seeking to exploit content management systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3584 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to the underlying database infrastructure and potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels. Systems running vulnerable versions of the wec_discussion extension face significant risk of data corruption, unauthorized modifications to user accounts, and complete system compromise if the database credentials have elevated privileges. Organizations using TYPO3 with this extension are particularly vulnerable because the attack surface includes not just the database layer but also the web application layer, which may allow attackers to execute further malicious activities such as planting backdoors or conducting data manipulation attacks. The vulnerability can be exploited through various vectors including web forms, API endpoints, or direct parameter manipulation, making detection and prevention challenging for security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3584 require immediate action to upgrade the affected TYPO3 wec_discussion extension to version 2.1.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementation. System administrators should also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and database access controls, to provide defense-in-depth protection. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that may indicate SQL injection attempts, while access controls should be reviewed to ensure that database accounts used by the TYPO3 application have minimal required privileges. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their TYPO3 installations to identify other potentially vulnerable extensions or components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and proper security coding practices. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and logging mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security training for developers can prevent similar issues in future application development cycles.