CVE-2012-1607 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE
The Command Line Interface (CLI) script in TYPO3 4.4.0 through 4.4.13, 4.5.0 through 4.5.13, 4.6.0 through 4.6.6, 4.7, and 6.0 allows remote attackers to obtain the database name via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-1607 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the TYPO3 content management system that affects multiple version ranges including 4.4.0 through 4.4.13, 4.5.0 through 4.5.13, 4.6.0 through 4.6.6, 4.7, and 6.0. This issue arises from improper handling of database information within the Command Line Interface script, which exposes sensitive database naming information to unauthorized remote attackers. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict access to internal system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the CLI script's design which does not adequately validate or sanitize user inputs before processing database connection parameters. When remote attackers make direct requests to specific endpoints within the TYPO3 CLI interface, they can trigger the system to return database name information through error messages or direct output responses. This occurs because the system lacks proper access controls and input filtering that would normally prevent such exposure of internal database metadata. The vulnerability specifically affects the command line interface functionality rather than the web interface, making it particularly concerning for administrators who may not regularly monitor CLI access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with critical database naming information that can facilitate subsequent attacks. Knowledge of database names significantly reduces the complexity of brute force attacks against database credentials and can enable more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this information to craft targeted attacks against database services, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations using TYPO3 installations across multiple version streams, indicating a widespread exposure that could impact numerous web applications relying on this CMS platform. This exposure creates opportunities for attackers to map database structures and plan more effective infiltration strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1607 should focus on immediate patch application to the affected TYPO3 versions, as well as implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to CLI interfaces. Organizations should ensure that CLI scripts are not accessible from untrusted networks and that proper authentication mechanisms are enforced for any administrative access points. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper information exposure, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual access patterns to CLI interfaces and establish proper input validation controls to prevent similar issues in other components. Regular security assessments and patch management procedures should be strengthened to prevent such information disclosure vulnerabilities from occurring in future deployments.