CVE-2007-2159 in Database Administration Module
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Database Administration (dba) module 4.6.x-*, and before 4.7.x-1.2 in the 4.7.x-1.* series, for Drupal allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors relating to (1) direct display of data from the database and (2) other portions of the user interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2159 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Database Administration module of Drupal content management systems. This issue affects versions 4.6.x-, and specifically targets the 4.7.x-1. series before version 4.7.x-1.2, creating a significant security risk for web applications utilizing these vulnerable components. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the database administration interface, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system through various attack vectors that were not properly secured.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors that exploit different aspects of the user interface and data handling processes. The first vector involves direct display of data from the database without proper sanitization, where user-supplied data that is stored in database tables can be rendered back to users without appropriate encoding or filtering. The second vector targets other portions of the user interface where the system fails to adequately validate or escape user input before presenting it in web pages. Both vectors leverage the fundamental weakness in the application's data flow where raw database content bypasses security controls designed to prevent malicious script execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for Drupal installations as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected users' browsers. The implications extend beyond simple data theft or defacement, as attackers could potentially establish persistent backdoors, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, or redirect users to malicious sites. The impact is particularly concerning given that database administration modules typically contain sensitive information and administrative functions that could be exploited to compromise entire web applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is broad as it affects the core database administration functionality that administrators rely upon for managing application data. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates under ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of scripts through web interfaces, and T1566, which encompasses social engineering via malicious web content. The risk assessment indicates that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, as database administrators often possess elevated privileges and access to sensitive operational data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 4.7.x-1.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their applications, particularly in database interaction components. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies, regular security audits of database administration interfaces, and comprehensive staff training on secure coding practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and properly escaping output, principles that align with the OWASP Top Ten security requirements and fundamental secure software development practices.