CVE-2014-6236 in LumoNet PHP Include
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the LumoNet PHP Include (lumophpinclude) extension before 1.2.1 for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary scripts via vectors related to extension links.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6236 resides within the LumoNet PHP Include extension for TYPO3, a content management system widely deployed across web platforms. This unspecified weakness affects versions prior to 1.2.1 and represents a critical security gap that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically relates to how the extension handles extension links, creating an attack vector that can be exploited without requiring authentication or privileged access. The flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal or include vulnerability pattern that has been historically prevalent in web applications where user input is not properly sanitized before being processed as file paths or include directives.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common software security flaws categorized under CWE-94, which encompasses "Improper Control of Generation of Code" or "Code Injection." The extension's failure to properly validate or sanitize user-provided input when processing links creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary PHP code into the execution flow. This allows attackers to leverage the vulnerable extension to execute arbitrary scripts on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that TYPO3 installations often contain sensitive data and administrative functions that could be accessed through successful exploitation.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and service disruption. Attackers exploiting this flaw could gain unauthorized access to database credentials, administrative interfaces, or sensitive user information stored within the TYPO3 environment. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations running older versions of TYPO3 with the affected extension installed, creating widespread exposure across various web applications that rely on this content management platform.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2014-6236 involves immediate patching of the affected LumoNet PHP Include extension to version 1.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests targeting known vulnerability patterns. Additionally, administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all installed TYPO3 extensions to identify other potentially vulnerable components and ensure proper input validation is implemented throughout the application. The remediation process should include monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts and maintaining updated security configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the web application stack. This vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping content management systems and their extensions updated, as well as implementing robust security monitoring practices that can detect and respond to exploitation attempts in real-time.