CVE-2012-1076 in Rtg Files
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Documents download (rtg_files) extension before 1.5.2 for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2018
The CVE-2012-1076 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the rtg_files extension for TYPO3 content management systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.5.2 and enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through unspecified attack vectors. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the document download functionality, creating a persistent security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise user sessions and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the extension's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing or displaying it within web pages. When users attempt to download documents through the rtg_files extension, the system does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when executed, can manipulate the user's browser environment and potentially steal sensitive information such as session cookies, personal data, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates multiple attack surface opportunities for threat actors. An attacker could leverage this weakness to establish persistent malicious presence on compromised systems, redirect users to phishing sites, or execute arbitrary commands within the victim's browser context. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for organizations using TYPO3 platforms with the affected extension. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including initial access through malicious web content and privilege escalation via session hijacking.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading the rtg_files extension to version 1.5.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding fixes. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies, deploying web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments can provide additional layers of protection. System administrators should also consider implementing input sanitization measures and monitoring for suspicious download activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party components and following secure coding practices that prevent improper input handling and output encoding failures.