CVE-2022-23504 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2022
TYPO3 is an open source PHP based web content management system. Versions prior to 9.5.38, 10.4.33, 11.5.20, and 12.1.1 are subject to Sensitive Information Disclosure. Due to the lack of handling user-submitted YAML placeholder expressions in the site configuration backend module, attackers could expose sensitive internal information, such as system configuration or HTTP request messages of other website visitors. A valid backend user account having administrator privileges is needed to exploit this vulnerability. This issue has been patched in versions 9.5.38 ELTS, 10.4.33, 11.5.20, 12.1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23504 represents a critical sensitive information disclosure flaw within the TYPO3 content management system that affects multiple version branches. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and processing of user-submitted YAML placeholder expressions within the site configuration backend module. The flaw specifically manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize or escape YAML expressions that users can submit through the administrative interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized information exposure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which encompasses weaknesses related to information disclosure, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on TYPO3 for their web infrastructure. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially access sensitive system configuration details and HTTP request data from other website visitors, fundamentally compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the web application environment.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess a valid backend user account with administrator privileges, which significantly reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely. The exploitation process involves crafting malicious YAML placeholder expressions that, when processed by the vulnerable TYPO3 versions, reveal internal system information through the site configuration module. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which covers data from information repositories, specifically targeting configuration data within web applications. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices where the system does not adequately validate or escape user-provided YAML content before processing it within the backend configuration context, allowing for unintended information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can provide attackers with comprehensive insights into the target system's internal configuration and potentially reveal patterns in user behavior or system architecture. The exposure of HTTP request messages from other visitors can lead to session hijacking opportunities, credential exposure, or further exploitation of other system vulnerabilities. Organizations using affected TYPO3 versions face significant risks including potential privilege escalation, unauthorized access to sensitive system information, and the possibility of cascading attacks that leverage the disclosed information. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate confidentiality of the system but also undermines the trust model that backend administrators rely upon when managing web content and configuration settings.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched versions 9.5.38 ELTS, 10.4.33, 11.5.20, or 12.1.1 to remediate this vulnerability. The patch addresses the YAML placeholder expression handling by implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent malicious expressions from being processed within the site configuration module. Additional mitigations include implementing strict access controls for backend administrative accounts, monitoring for unusual activity in the site configuration module, and conducting regular security audits of configuration management processes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of administrative interfaces where sensitive information processing occurs. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent unauthorized access to backend administrative interfaces, particularly for systems containing sensitive configuration data.