CVE-2022-31047 is a vulnerability identified in TYPO3, an open-source web content management system widely used for building and managing websites. The issue pertains to the improper handling of sensitive information within the logging mechanism of TYPO3 versions prior to 7.6.57 ELTS, 8.7.47 ELTS, 9.5.34 ELTS, 10.4.29, and 11.5.11. Specifically, when exceptions occur and the system logs the complete exception stack trace, internal system credentials or keys—such as database credentials—may be recorded in plaintext within log files. This behavior is classified under CWE-532, which involves the insertion of sensitive information into log files. The vulnerability arises because exception handlers do not adequately sanitize or exclude sensitive data before logging, thereby exposing critical secrets to anyone with access to these logs. TYPO3 has addressed this issue in the specified patched versions by modifying the exception logging process to prevent sensitive data leakage. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the presence of plaintext credentials in logs poses a significant risk if logs are accessible to unauthorized users or attackers who gain access to the system. The affected TYPO3 versions span multiple major releases, indicating that many installations running older versions remain vulnerable if not updated.

For European organizations, the exposure of sensitive credentials in log files can lead to severe security consequences. If attackers or unauthorized insiders gain access to these logs, they could retrieve database credentials or other secret keys, enabling them to escalate privileges, access or modify sensitive data, or compromise the integrity and availability of web applications. Given TYPO3's popularity in Europe, especially among government agencies, educational institutions, and medium to large enterprises, this vulnerability could facilitate data breaches, service disruptions, or unauthorized data manipulation. The impact is heightened in regulated sectors subject to GDPR, where unauthorized disclosure of personal data can result in significant legal and financial penalties. Additionally, attackers leveraging exposed credentials could pivot to other internal systems, amplifying the scope of compromise. Although exploitation requires access to log files, which may be restricted, misconfigurations or insider threats could make this feasible. The absence of known exploits suggests limited active exploitation, but the risk remains substantial due to the sensitive nature of the leaked information.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading TYPO3 installations to the fixed versions: 7.6.57 ELTS, 8.7.47 ELTS, 9.5.34 ELTS, 10.4.29, or 11.5.11, depending on their current version. Beyond patching, organizations should audit and restrict access permissions to log files, ensuring that only authorized personnel and processes can read them. Implement log management best practices, including secure storage, encryption at rest, and regular log rotation to minimize exposure. Review and sanitize existing logs to identify and securely remove any sensitive information that may have been logged prior to patching. Additionally, configure TYPO3 and underlying systems to limit the verbosity of exception logging in production environments, avoiding full stack trace logging unless necessary for debugging. Employ monitoring solutions to detect unusual access patterns to log files and implement alerting for potential unauthorized access. Finally, conduct security awareness training for administrators and developers to emphasize the risks of logging sensitive data and promote secure coding and configuration practices.