CVE-2006-4949 in Site Profile Directory Module
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Drupal 4.6 Site Profile Directory (profile_pages.module) before 1.1.2.1 and the Drupal 4.7 Site Profile Directory (profile_pages.module) before 1.2.2.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors related to "lack of validation on output," possibly in the name and title parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The CVE-2006-4949 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Drupal's profile_pages.module component affecting versions prior to 1.1.2.1 for Drupal 4.6 and 1.2.2.1 for Drupal 4.7. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a weakness in output validation where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The flaw exists within the site profile directory functionality that handles user profile information including name and title parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code in the context of victim browsers. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution vector through web script injection makes it particularly dangerous as it requires no privileged access from attackers who can simply craft malicious payloads through the affected parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Drupal processes user profile data that contains malicious script code within the name or title fields. The lack of proper input validation and output sanitization means that when these parameters are rendered in web pages, the injected scripts execute in the context of legitimate users browsing the site. This creates a persistent threat where any user who views the affected profile page becomes a potential victim of the malicious code execution. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection as it can enable session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites, making it a serious concern for any Drupal installation using the affected modules. The weakness specifically resides in the profile_pages.module's handling of user-generated content without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to bypass normal security controls through carefully crafted input vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4949 extends beyond immediate script execution to encompass broader security implications for Drupal installations. Organizations running affected versions face potential data breaches, user session compromise, and reputational damage when attackers leverage this vulnerability to target their user base. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of site profiles which are commonly used for user directories, member listings, and community features, making the attack surface particularly broad. Security teams must consider the potential for cascading effects where successful exploitation could lead to further attacks on the underlying system or user accounts. The vulnerability's persistence in the profile directory means that even after initial exploitation, malicious code can continue to affect users until the vulnerability is patched and the malicious content is removed from the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4949 require immediate action to upgrade affected Drupal installations to patched versions, specifically targeting profile_pages.module versions 1.1.2.1 for Drupal 4.6 and 1.2.2.1 for Drupal 4.7. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output sanitization measures across all user-facing forms and profile management features to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components. Security monitoring should include regular scanning for XSS vulnerabilities in web applications, particularly focusing on user-generated content handling. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, emphasizing the need for robust web application security practices. System administrators should also implement proper content security policies and regular security audits to ensure that all modules and themes maintain adequate security controls against injection attacks. Additionally, user education about avoiding suspicious profile content and regular security updates should form part of the overall defensive strategy against such vulnerabilities.