CVE-2007-0506 in Project Issue Tracking Module
Summary
by MITRE
The project_issue_access function in the Project issue tracking 4.7.0 through 5.x before 20070123 module for Drupal allows remote authenticated users to bypass other access control modules and obtain attached files by guessing the filename, and obtain issue information via direct requests.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0506 affects the Project issue tracking module for Drupal, specifically versions 4.7.0 through 5.x before the 20070123 release. This represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of the Drupal content management system. The issue stems from improper validation of file access requests within the project_issue_access function, which fails to properly verify user permissions before granting access to attached files or issue information. This vulnerability exists at the intersection of weak authentication checks and predictable filename generation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent the intended access control mechanisms that should protect sensitive project data within the Drupal environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the predictable nature of filename generation within the project issue tracking module. When authenticated users make requests to access project files or issue details, the system does not adequately validate whether the requesting user has proper authorization to access the specific resource. This flaw allows attackers to bypass the normal access control flow by directly guessing or enumerating file names and making targeted requests to the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and requires only authenticated access, meaning that any user with valid credentials can potentially exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to information that should be restricted. The issue is classified as a weakness in authorization mechanisms, specifically related to inadequate access control validation that enables privilege escalation through direct object reference manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the access control system within Drupal installations. Attackers can obtain sensitive project information and attached files without proper authorization, potentially exposing confidential data such as bug reports, development notes, project timelines, and other proprietary information. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of project data within Drupal environments, particularly affecting organizations that rely on the platform for managing sensitive software development projects. The ability to bypass access control modules means that even if administrators have configured additional security measures, these protections can be circumvented through the exploitation of this specific flaw, creating a cascading effect that undermines the overall security posture of the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected Drupal module to the latest available version that addresses the access control flaw. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as strengthening authentication mechanisms, implementing proper access logging, and monitoring for unusual file access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web applications, aligning with security principles from the CWE database that emphasizes the need for proper authorization checks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as attackers can leverage existing authenticated sessions to gain access to restricted resources. Administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls and web application firewalls to detect and prevent direct access attempts to sensitive resources, while conducting regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other modules or components of their Drupal installations.