Source: cve@mitre.org
SQL injection vulnerability in the advCalendar extension 0.3.1 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
A critical SQL injection vulnerability exists in the advCalendar extension for TYPO3, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands and potentially compromise the entire web server. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, system takeover, and denial-of-service. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous due to its ease of exploitation and potential for widespread impact.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: An attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request targeting the advCalendar extension, likely by identifying a vulnerable parameter (e.g., a date field, search query, or filter). The request is sent to the TYPO3 web server.
Step 2: Input Handling: The advCalendar extension receives the HTTP request and extracts the user-supplied input from the vulnerable parameter.
Step 3: Query Construction: The extension's code constructs an SQL query, incorporating the unsanitized user input directly into the query string. This is where the vulnerability lies.
Step 4: SQL Injection: The attacker's malicious SQL code, embedded within the input, is executed as part of the constructed query. This could include commands to retrieve sensitive data, modify database records, or execute operating system commands (if the database server is configured to allow it).
Step 5: Data Exfiltration/System Compromise: The database server processes the injected SQL commands. Depending on the injected code, the attacker can then exfiltrate data, modify data, or gain control of the server.
The vulnerability stems from a failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. Specifically, the advCalendar extension, versions 0.3.1 and earlier, likely uses unsanitized input from HTTP requests (e.g., GET or POST parameters) to construct SQL queries. The absence of input validation allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code, manipulating the query's logic. This can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, as well as the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the database server. The root cause is a lack of input validation and parameterization in the extension's database interaction logic. The specific function or code block responsible for constructing the SQL query is vulnerable to SQL injection due to the direct concatenation of user-controlled data into the query string.
Due to the widespread nature of SQL injection vulnerabilities and the potential for easy exploitation, this vulnerability could be leveraged by a wide range of threat actors, from opportunistic attackers to more sophisticated groups. While no specific APTs are directly linked to this CVE, it's a common technique used by various actors. CISA KEV status is unlikely, given the age of the vulnerability, but it remains a high-risk issue.
Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) should be configured to detect SQL injection attempts, looking for common SQL keywords and patterns in HTTP requests (e.g., 'SELECT', 'UNION', 'OR', 'DROP').
Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can be deployed to filter malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application. WAFs should be configured with rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL injection attacks.
Review web server access logs for suspicious activity, such as unusual HTTP requests containing SQL keywords or attempts to access database-related files.
Monitor database server logs for unusual SQL queries or error messages that may indicate an SQL injection attempt.
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect any unauthorized changes to web application files or database files.
Upgrade the advCalendar extension to a patched version (0.3.2 or later).
Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection. This involves separating the SQL code from the user-supplied input, ensuring that the input is treated as data and not as executable code.
Thoroughly validate and sanitize all user-supplied input before using it in SQL queries. This includes checking the data type, length, and format of the input.
Apply the principle of least privilege to database accounts. Grant database users only the necessary permissions to perform their tasks.
Regularly scan the web application for vulnerabilities using automated tools and manual penetration testing.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic.
Keep TYPO3 and all installed extensions up-to-date with the latest security patches.