CVE-2013-5302 in Ke Search
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Faceted Search (ke_search) extension before 1.4.1 for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2018
The CVE-2013-5302 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the ke_search extension for TYPO3 content management systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.4.1 and exposes the system to remote code execution through unsanitized input parameters. The vulnerability resides in the faceted search functionality, which is a commonly used feature for enhancing user search capabilities within TYPO3 websites. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database query execution pipeline, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, making it a well-documented and dangerous security weakness in web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user input intended for search queries is not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into SQL database queries. Attackers can manipulate search parameters to inject malicious SQL syntax that bypasses normal input validation mechanisms. This allows unauthorized access to database contents, including sensitive user information, configuration data, and potentially administrative credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core search functionality that many TYPO3 installations rely upon, making it a prime target for automated exploitation. The attack vector operates through the web application layer where user inputs are processed without adequate sanitization, enabling attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries directly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized database access, data modification, and in severe cases, full system control. Organizations running affected TYPO3 versions with ke_search extensions are at significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible websites. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities for initial access and privilege escalation.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to ke_search version 1.4.1 or later to remediate this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other components. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should monitor for suspicious database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other potential SQL injection vulnerabilities within the TYPO3 ecosystem. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the upgrade does not introduce compatibility issues with existing website functionality. Additionally, organizations should review their web application firewall configurations and implement proper logging mechanisms to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping content management systems updated and maintaining robust security practices throughout the application lifecycle.