CVE-2006-2832 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the upload module (upload.module) in Drupal 4.6.x before 4.6.8 and 4.7.x before 4.7.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the uploaded filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2832 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Drupal's upload module that affected versions 4.6.x prior to 4.6.8 and 4.7.x prior to 4.7.2. This vulnerability resides in the file upload processing functionality where user-supplied filenames are not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The flaw creates an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the upload.module component. When users upload files, the system stores the original filename and subsequently displays it in various contexts throughout the web interface without proper HTML escaping or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious filenames containing script tags or other executable content that gets rendered when the filename is displayed in administrative interfaces or file listings. This particular vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to manipulate the Drupal content management system in ways that compromise user sessions and data integrity. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain access to administrative functions, modify content, or steal cookies and session tokens from authenticated users. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate file upload functionality, making it difficult to distinguish malicious uploads from normal user activity. This vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers credential harvesting through spearphishing attachments, as attackers can use the upload functionality to deliver malicious payloads that exploit the XSS vulnerability.
The security implications of this vulnerability are significant for any Drupal installation using the affected versions, as it essentially provides a backdoor for attackers to execute arbitrary code in the browser context of other users. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face potential exposure to session fixation attacks, where attackers can hijack user sessions and perform unauthorized actions. The vulnerability also enables more sophisticated attacks such as phishing campaigns that can appear legitimate within the Drupal interface, as the malicious content can be embedded directly within filenames displayed in administrative panels. Proper mitigation requires immediate patching to the upload.module component, along with implementing additional input validation measures and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious file upload patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.