CVE-2021-28381 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The vhs (aka VHS: Fluid ViewHelpers) extension before 5.1.1 for TYPO3 is vulnerable to SQL injection through the isLanguageViewHelper function.

Understanding CVE-2021-28381

This CVE record highlights a security vulnerability in the vhs extension for TYPO3 that could be exploited to execute SQL injection attacks.

What is CVE-2021-28381?

The CVE-2021-28381 vulnerability specifically affects the vhs (VHS: Fluid ViewHelpers) extension versions prior to 5.1.1 in TYPO3, allowing threat actors to inject malicious SQL queries using the isLanguageViewHelper.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28381

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential manipulation of the TYPO3 application, posing a significant risk to data confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28381

The technical details of CVE-2021-28381 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the vhs extension allows attackers to perform SQL injection attacks by leveraging the isLanguageViewHelper function.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects TYPO3 installations using vhs extension versions earlier than 5.1.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Threat actors can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious SQL queries through the isLanguageViewHelper function, potentially compromising the integrity of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-28381, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the vhs extension to version 5.1.1 or later to patch the SQL injection vulnerability.
Implement input validation and parameterized queries to prevent malicious input from being executed as SQL commands.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit your TYPO3 application for any suspicious activities.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from TYPO3 and apply patches promptly to protect your system from known vulnerabilities.