CVE-2026-113459 in AI Integration Extension
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2026
In versions running on TYPO3 10 and 11, the configured OpenAI API key is embedded in every backend page, so that the editor plugin can contact the OpenAI service directly from the browser. Any authenticated backend user can read the key and use it at the expense of the site operator. This only applies if an API key has been configured.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2026
The vulnerability identified involves a critical misconfiguration in TYPO3 versions 10 and 11 related to the integration with OpenAI services via an editor plugin. The core technical flaw lies in how the application handles sensitive credentials during client-side rendering. Instead of proxying API requests through a secure backend endpoint that authenticates using server-side stored secrets, the system embeds the configured OpenAI API key directly into the HTML or JavaScript payload served to every backend page. This architectural decision exposes the secret token to any user with access to the browser's developer tools or network inspector, effectively bypassing server-side access controls for credential usage.
From a technical perspective, this represents a classic case of improper handling of sensitive information in client-side code. By transmitting the API key directly from the server to the client without obfuscation or temporary tokenization, the application violates fundamental security principles regarding secret management. The vulnerability is strictly conditional on the presence of an configured OpenAI API key within the TYPO3 instance configuration. If no such key exists, this specific attack vector remains inactive, but for sites utilizing AI-assisted editing features, the exposure is immediate and complete upon authentication to the backend interface.
The operational impact of this flaw allows any authenticated backend user to extract the plaintext API key from the page source or network traffic. Once obtained, these credentials can be used by malicious insiders or attackers who have compromised a low-privilege account to make unauthorized calls to the OpenAI service. This results in direct financial liability for the site operator, as usage costs are billed against their account rather than being metered through internal application logic. Furthermore, it poses significant data privacy risks if sensitive content is processed by third-party AI services without proper oversight or filtering, potentially leading to leakage of proprietary information contained within CMS entries.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798: Use of Hard-coded Credentials and CWE-200: Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor. In the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, it relates to techniques involving Credential Access through Client-Side Scripting or Unsecured Data Storage in a Browser Context. The attack path typically involves Initial Access via valid backend credentials followed by Discovery and Collection of sensitive configuration data embedded in web pages.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize removing client-side access to server secrets entirely. The most effective remediation is to refactor the integration so that all interactions with external AI services are proxied through a dedicated backend endpoint. This approach ensures that API keys remain stored securely on the server and are never exposed to the browser environment. Additionally, implementing strict Content Security Policy headers can help mitigate some risks associated with cross-site scripting or unauthorized script execution, though they do not address the root cause of credential exposure in this specific scenario. Regular audits of third-party integrations should also be conducted to ensure that no other plugins follow similar insecure patterns for handling sensitive tokens.