CVE-2012-5890 in Sr Feuser Register
Summary
by MITRE
The Front End User Registration (sr_feuser_register) extension before 2.6.2 for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to obtain user names and passwords via the (1) edit perspective or (2) autologin feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5890 affects the Front End User Registration extension in TYPO3 systems, specifically versions prior to 2.6.2. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the authentication mechanisms of web applications built on the TYPO3 platform. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control measures within the extension's user management functionality, creating opportunities for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical flaw manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit weaknesses in the extension's design. Attackers can leverage the edit perspective functionality to access user credentials, while the autologin feature provides another pathway for unauthorized access to user accounts. These vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive authentication information without requiring legitimate credentials or elevated privileges. The flaw essentially bypasses the intended security controls that should protect user account information from unauthorized access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations using TYPO3-based web applications. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to user accounts, potential data breaches, and compromise of user authentication systems. The exposure of user names and passwords through these attack vectors directly violates fundamental security principles and could lead to cascading security issues within the organization's digital infrastructure. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage if user credentials are compromised through this vulnerability.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and CWE-284, relating to "Improper Access Control." These classifications reflect the core security issues present in the extension's handling of user authentication data. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1566, specifically "Phishing for Information," as attackers could potentially use the leaked credentials to conduct further social engineering attacks or gain unauthorized access to additional systems.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to TYPO3 version 2.6.2 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their TYPO3 installations to identify any potential exploitation attempts. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security patch management processes should be implemented to ensure timely deployment of security updates. Organizations should also consider implementing additional access controls and authentication measures to reduce the impact of potential credential exposure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security practices and the critical need for thorough security testing of third-party extensions before deployment in production environments.