CVE-2024-34537 in TYPO3
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2024
TYPO3 before 13.3.1 allows denial of service (interface error) in the Bookmark Toolbar (ext:backend), exploitable by an administrator-level backend user account via manipulated data saved in the bookmark toolbar of the backend user interface. The fixed versions are 10.4.46 ELTS, 11.5.40 LTS, 12.4.21 LTS, and 13.3.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-34537 represents a denial of service condition within the TYPO3 content management system that specifically affects the Bookmark Toolbar functionality in the backend interface. This issue exists in TYPO3 versions prior to 13.3.1 and is classified as a security flaw that can be exploited by users with administrator-level privileges within the backend environment. The vulnerability manifests when an authenticated administrator manipulates data within the bookmark toolbar configuration, leading to an interface error that disrupts normal system operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-400, which encompasses unspecified denial of service conditions, and represents a significant risk to system availability and user experience.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the ext:backend extension of TYPO3, where the bookmark toolbar functionality processes user-configured data without proper validation or sanitization. When an administrator saves manipulated data to their bookmark toolbar, the system fails to handle the malformed input appropriately, resulting in an interface error that prevents normal backend operations. The exploit requires an attacker to possess administrative credentials, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for systems where administrative access is not properly secured or monitored. The specific nature of the flaw suggests that the input validation mechanisms within the bookmark toolbar component are insufficient to handle unexpected data formats or malicious payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-34537 extends beyond simple system unavailability as it affects the core administrative interface that system administrators rely upon for managing content and configuration. When exploited, this vulnerability can completely disable the bookmark toolbar functionality and potentially cascade to other backend components that depend on proper interface rendering. This disruption can significantly impede administrative tasks and may require system restarts or manual intervention to restore normal operations. The vulnerability also presents a potential vector for further exploitation, as administrators may be forced to work around the issue by disabling or modifying backend features, creating additional security risks.
Organizations using affected TYPO3 versions should immediately implement the recommended security patches, with the fixed versions being 10.4.46 ELTS, 11.5.40 LTS, 12.4.21 LTS, and 13.3.1. The mitigation strategy should include immediate patching of all affected systems, followed by comprehensive monitoring of backend access logs for any suspicious activity related to bookmark toolbar modifications. Security teams should also review administrative access controls and implement additional monitoring for unauthorized modifications to backend user configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and error handling in web applications, particularly within administrative interfaces where privileged users can cause significant disruption. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service, and highlights the need for robust application security practices in CMS platforms that serve as critical infrastructure components for web-based content management systems.