CVE-2015-4609 in wt_directory Extension
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the wt_directory extension before 1.4.2 for TYPO3 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2019
The CVE-2015-4609 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the wt_directory extension for TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.4.2 and specifically targets authenticated users who can leverage the flaw to execute arbitrary sql commands remotely. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the extension's database interaction mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate sql queries through crafted input parameters. The flaw exists in the extension's directory handling functionality where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into sql statements without adequate sanitization or preparation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection patterns documented in the mitre cwe database under cwe-89, which classifies sql injection as a direct result of insufficient input validation. The vulnerability operates through authenticated access points, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials to exploit the flaw, but once achieved, the impact extends beyond simple data theft to full database manipulation capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, modify database records, insert malicious data, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability may manifest through multiple entry points within the wt_directory extension's functionality, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4609 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as it enables attackers to potentially gain complete control over the database backing the TYPO3 installation. This level of access allows for data exfiltration of sensitive user information, modification of website content, and potential lateral movement within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using older versions of TYPO3 with the wt_directory extension, as these systems lack the security patches that would prevent the injection of malicious sql code. Organizations relying on this extension for directory services, user management, or content organization face significant risk, as the compromised database could contain personal information, login credentials, or business-critical data.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version 1.4.2 of the wt_directory extension, applying proper input validation and parameterized queries, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping third-party extensions updated, as the attack vector stems from a specific extension rather than the core TYPO3 system. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious sql injection attempts, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other extensions. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices, particularly around database interactions, and aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to system resources.