CVE-2023-30451 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE • 12/25/2023
In TYPO3 11.5.24, the filelist component allows attackers (who have access to the administrator panel) to read arbitrary files via directory traversal in the baseuri field, as demonstrated by POST /typo3/record/edit with ../../../ in data[sys_file_storage]*[data][sDEF][lDEF][basePath][vDEF].
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-30451 affects TYPO3 version 11.5.24 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the filelist component. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrator panel functionality where authenticated attackers can exploit improper input validation to access arbitrary files on the server. The flaw manifests when processing requests to the /typo3/record/edit endpoint where the baseuri field accepts malicious input containing directory traversal sequences. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate administrative functionality to bypass normal file access controls, allowing unauthorized reading of system files that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user input within the file storage configuration parameters. When administrators configure file storage paths through the TYPO3 backend interface, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the basePath parameter in the data[sys_file_storage]*[data][sDEF][lDEF][basePath][vDEF] field. This allows attackers to inject sequences such as ../../../ which traverse up the directory structure to access files outside the intended storage boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the application level and directly relates to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is classified as a common weakness in software security practices. The flaw demonstrates how web applications can be compromised when they fail to properly validate file system paths, particularly in administrative interfaces where elevated privileges are already granted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive system files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data that may be stored in accessible directories. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on TYPO3 for content management, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could potentially extract database connection strings, application secrets, or other sensitive configuration data that would enable further attacks against the system or network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrative access, which means that if an attacker gains access to any administrative account, they can immediately exploit this flaw. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts, where attackers leverage legitimate administrative credentials to escalate privileges and access restricted resources.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest TYPO3 security patches and updates that address this specific directory traversal vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough access control reviews to ensure that only authorized personnel have administrative privileges, and that the principle of least privilege is enforced across all system components. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous access patterns to file storage configuration endpoints. The remediation process should include validating all input parameters in administrative interfaces and implementing proper path validation mechanisms that prevent directory traversal attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block directory traversal attempts in file path parameters. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the TYPO3 installation and the broader application ecosystem.