CVE-2012-6144 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Backend History module in TYPO3 4.5.x before 4.5.21, 4.6.x before 4.6.14, and 4.7.x before 4.7.6 allows remote authenticated backend users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2022
The CVE-2012-6144 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the TYPO3 content management system's Backend History module. This vulnerability affects multiple versions including 4.5.x before 4.5.21, 4.6.x before 4.6.14, and 4.7.x before 4.7.6, exposing organizations using these outdated versions to significant security risks. The vulnerability specifically targets authenticated backend users who possess administrative privileges within the TYPO3 system, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages existing user access rather than requiring initial exploitation through external attack vectors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Backend History module's handling of user-supplied data. While the exact vector remains unspecified in the CVE description, SQL injection typically occurs when user input is directly incorporated into database queries without proper parameterization or escaping mechanisms. This flaw allows authenticated attackers to manipulate the backend database queries through crafted inputs that are processed by the History module, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain complete control over the database. Remote authenticated backend users can exploit this vulnerability to retrieve sensitive information such as user credentials, system configurations, and other confidential data stored within the TYPO3 database. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that backend users typically possess elevated privileges and access to critical system functions, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for organizational security posture. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials and valid accounts as a means of gaining access to systems.
Organizations utilizing affected TYPO3 versions should prioritize immediate remediation through official patch releases, specifically upgrading to the patched versions mentioned in the CVE description. System administrators must also implement comprehensive monitoring of backend user activities and database query logs to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation controls, enabling database query parameterization, and conducting regular security audits of backend modules. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of timely patch management and proper access controls within content management systems, as it represents a failure in the principle of least privilege where authenticated users with legitimate access can be leveraged for malicious purposes. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and database access controls to limit the potential impact should such vulnerabilities be exploited in environments where patching may be delayed.