CVE-2009-3633: TYPO3 CMS-Core API function vulnerable to Cross-site Scripting

typo3/cms-core Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

02/05/2022
Yes i
Moderate
Not published

CVE-2009-3633: TYPO3 API function vulnerable to Cross-site Scripting. Affects typo3/cms-core across 4 version ranges.

< 4.0.13 >= 4.1.0, < 4.1.13 >= 4.2.0, < 4.2.10 >= 4.3alpha1, < 4.3beta2

Fixed in 4 releases; the minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run. How to fix ↓

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Background

TYPO3 CMS-Core is an open-source content management system that allows users to create and manage websites. It provides a wide range of features and functionalities, including a powerful API for developers to extend and customize the system. However, versions 4.0.13 and earlier, 4.1.x before 4.1.13, 4.2.x before 4.2.10, and 4.3.x before 4.3beta2 are vulnerable to a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) attack.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability exists in the t3lib_div::quoteJSvalue API function, which is used for sanitizing user input. Due to a flaw in the sanitizing algorithm, remote attackers can inject arbitrary web script or HTML into the application. This can lead to various security risks, including session hijacking, defacement of web pages, and theft of sensitive information.

How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

  • < 4.0.13 4.0.13
    composer require typo3/cms-core:4.0.13
  • >= 4.1.0, < 4.1.13 4.1.13
    composer require typo3/cms-core:4.1.13
  • >= 4.2.0, < 4.2.10 4.2.10
    composer require typo3/cms-core:4.2.10
  • >= 4.3alpha1, < 4.3beta2 4.3beta2
    composer require typo3/cms-core:4.3beta2

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

Workaround

If upgrading to the latest version is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround can be implemented by manually modifying the t3lib_div::quoteJSvalue function to use a more secure sanitizing algorithm. Here is an example of the modified code:

class t3lib_div {
  public static function quoteJSvalue($value) {
    // Custom secure sanitizing algorithm
    $sanitizedValue = htmlspecialchars($value, ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8');
    return $sanitizedValue;
  }
}

Please note that this is a temporary solution and it is strongly recommended to upgrade to the latest version as soon as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TYPO3 CMS-Core versions 4.0.13 and earlier, 4.1.x before 4.1.13, 4.2.x before 4.2.10, and 4.3.x before 4.3beta2 are vulnerable to a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) attack. It is crucial to upgrade to the latest version or apply the provided workaround to mitigate the risk. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for typo3/cms-core →

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FAQ

TYPO3 CMS-Core is an open-source content management system that allows users to create and manage websites. It provides a wide range of features and functionalities, making it a popular choice for website development.

Cross-site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This can lead to various attacks, such as session hijacking, defacement of web pages, and theft of sensitive information.

The vulnerability exists in the t3lib_div::quoteJSvalue API function, which is responsible for sanitizing user input. Due to a flaw in the sanitizing algorithm, attackers can inject arbitrary web script or HTML into the application, potentially leading to XSS attacks.

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to perform various malicious activities, including session hijacking, defacement of web pages, and theft of sensitive information. It is important to patch the vulnerability to prevent these risks.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to the latest version of TYPO3 CMS-Core (4.1.13, 4.2.10, or 4.3beta2). This will ensure that the vulnerable API function is patched and the application is protected against XSS attacks.

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How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

  • < 4.0.13 4.0.13
    composer require typo3/cms-core:4.0.13
  • >= 4.1.0, < 4.1.13 4.1.13
    composer require typo3/cms-core:4.1.13
  • >= 4.2.0, < 4.2.10 4.2.10
    composer require typo3/cms-core:4.2.10
  • >= 4.3alpha1, < 4.3beta2 4.3beta2
    composer require typo3/cms-core:4.3beta2

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

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