CVE-2016-15032 in mh_httpbl Extension
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2023
** UNSUPPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** ** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in mback2k mh_httpbl Extension up to 1.1.7 on TYPO3. This affects the function stopOutput of the file class.tx_mhhttpbl.php. The manipulation of the argument $_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR'] leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. Upgrading to version 1.1.8 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is a754bf306a433a8c18b55e25595593e8f19b9463. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-230391. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-15032 represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability within the mback2k mh_httpbl Extension for TYPO3, specifically affecting versions up to 1.1.7. This issue resides in the stopOutput function of the class.tx_mhhttpbl.php file, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input originating from the $_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR'] variable. The vulnerability classification as problematic indicates a significant security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web applications, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the TYPO3 extension, where the extension directly utilizes the REMOTE_ADDR server variable without proper filtering or encoding mechanisms. This allows attackers to manipulate the $_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR'] argument through crafted HTTP requests, enabling the execution of malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser. The vulnerability operates under the CWE-79 principle of Cross-Site Scripting, where the application fails to properly escape output data, creating an injection point for malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious domains. The ability to initiate attacks remotely means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in web application environments. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate server variables to execute malicious code.
Security practitioners should recognize that this vulnerability exists in unsupported software versions, meaning that the original vendor has ceased maintenance and support for the affected components. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to version 1.1.8, which incorporates the patch identified by the hash a754bf306a433a8c18b55e25595593e8f19b9463. This upgrade addresses the core input validation issue by implementing proper sanitization of the REMOTE_ADDR variable before its use in the stopOutput function. Organizations should also consider implementing additional defensive measures such as web application firewalls, input validation layers, and regular security assessments to mitigate similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and the risks associated with using unsupported products in production environments. Given that the affected extension is no longer maintained, organizations should prioritize migrating to supported alternatives or implementing compensating controls to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in legacy systems. This case underscores the necessity of comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular security assessments, patch management processes, and the establishment of clear end-of-life strategies for software components to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses.