CVE-2015-4608 in BE User Log Extension
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the BE User Log (beko_beuserlog) extension 1.1.1 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2019
The CVE-2015-4608 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the BE User Log extension for TYPO3 CMS, specifically affecting versions 1.1.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the backend user logging functionality that tracks administrative activities within the TYPO3 content management system. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the extension's codebase, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects authenticated users who possess administrative privileges, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their access and compromise the entire TYPO3 installation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors within the BE User Log extension's processing logic. Attackers with valid administrative credentials can manipulate input fields or parameters that are subsequently reflected back to users without proper sanitization. This allows for the injection of malicious scripts that execute in the browser context of other authenticated users who view the affected pages. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious input that gets stored or reflected in the extension's user log displays, where it executes when other administrators view the log entries. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can establish backdoors, steal session cookies, or redirect users to malicious sites while maintaining their access privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4608 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with significant privileges within the TYPO3 environment. Since the vulnerability affects authenticated users with administrative access, successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify content, manipulate user permissions, access sensitive data, or even escalate to full system compromise. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat model where attackers can establish long-term presence within the system, potentially compromising multiple user sessions and accessing confidential information. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage the injected scripts to execute further malicious activities. The vulnerability also supports techniques under T1566, which involves credential access through malicious web content, as session hijacking becomes possible through script execution.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate remediation measures including upgrading to the patched version of the BE User Log extension, which addresses the input validation and output sanitization issues. Security configurations should include enhanced monitoring of administrative user activities and regular security audits of installed extensions. The mitigation strategy should also encompass implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, along with regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing of TYPO3 installations. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict access controls and privilege management to minimize the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, as the attack surface increases with the number of administrative accounts. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative user activities can help detect anomalous behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing proper input validation practices throughout the application lifecycle to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.