CVE-2015-1404 in Content Rating Extbase
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Content Rating Extbase extension 2.0.3 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2018
The CVE-2015-1404 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Content Rating Extbase extension for TYPO3 CMS versions 2.0.3 and earlier. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where malicious scripts are injected into web applications. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the extension's handling of user-supplied data. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code in the context of affected websites, potentially compromising user sessions and accessing sensitive information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors within the Content Rating Extbase extension, which suggests that the flaw exists in how the extension processes or displays user-generated content. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed when other users view affected pages. This typically involves manipulating parameters or fields that are not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The extension's failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable code rather than harmless text.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1404 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially allowing attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal cookies, or redirect users to malicious sites. When exploited, this vulnerability can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of web applications built on TYPO3 CMS, particularly those relying on the Content Rating Extbase extension for content management functionalities. The attack surface is significant as it affects not only the extension itself but also the broader TYPO3 ecosystem where this component is deployed, potentially affecting thousands of websites that have not updated to patched versions.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version of the Content Rating Extbase extension, applying the vendor-provided security patches, and implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation involves injecting executable code into web applications. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and establishing robust input sanitization protocols. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping CMS platforms and their extensions up-to-date with security patches, as this represents a classic example of how outdated components can expose entire web infrastructures to exploitation.