CVE-2007-3690 in Forward module
Summary
by MITRE
The Forward module before 4.7-1.1 and 5.x before 5.x-1.0 for Drupal allows remote attackers to read restricted posts in (1) Organic Groups, (2) Taxonomy Access Control, (3) Taxonomy Access Lite, and other unspecified node access modules, via modified URL arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3690 represents a critical access control flaw within the Forward module for Drupal platforms, affecting versions prior to 4.7-1.1 and 5.x before 5.x-1.0. This issue stems from inadequate validation of URL arguments that govern node access permissions, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to bypass security mechanisms designed to restrict content visibility. The vulnerability specifically impacts several Drupal node access modules including Organic Groups, Taxonomy Access Control, and Taxonomy Access Lite, which are commonly deployed to manage content permissions and access restrictions within Drupal-based web applications. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate URL parameters to access content that should be restricted based on user roles, permissions, or taxonomy terms, effectively undermining the core security architecture of these modules.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL arguments that are typically used to determine node access permissions. When the Forward module processes incoming requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the parameters that control access to restricted content, enabling attackers to modify URL parameters such as node IDs, taxonomy terms, or access control identifiers. This flaw operates at the application layer, specifically within the node access control system where Drupal's permission model should enforce restrictions based on user authentication status, role assignments, and content access rules. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects multiple node access modules simultaneously, suggesting a fundamental design flaw in how URL argument processing interacts with access control mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting modified URLs that bypass the normal access checking procedures, potentially gaining access to sensitive content that should only be visible to authorized users within specific groups or with particular permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-3690 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete compromise of content security within affected Drupal installations. Organizations utilizing Drupal with Organic Groups or Taxonomy Access Control modules face significant risks when exposed to this vulnerability, as attackers could potentially access confidential documents, restricted forum posts, private group content, or any other node-based content that should remain hidden from unauthorized users. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, or exposure of sensitive organizational information. The remote nature of the attack means that no local system compromise is required, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system or network. The vulnerability's widespread impact across multiple Drupal modules indicates that organizations with complex content management requirements using these specific access control implementations are particularly at risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3690 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of the Forward module and the affected node access modules. Organizations should prioritize updating their Drupal installations to versions that include proper URL argument validation and access control enforcement mechanisms. Additionally, implementing network-level security controls such as web application firewalls can provide temporary protection while patches are deployed. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of their Drupal installations to identify all instances of the vulnerable Forward module and related access control modules, ensuring that all affected systems receive proper updates. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to restricted content and potentially escalate privileges through the exposure of sensitive information. Organizations should also implement proper input validation procedures and monitor access logs for suspicious URL patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's exploitation typically manifests through modified URL parameters that can be detected through careful monitoring of web application traffic.