CVE-2007-5593 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
install.php in Drupal 5.x before 5.3, when the configured database server is not reachable, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors that cause settings.php to be modified.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5593 represents a critical security flaw in the Drupal content management system affecting versions 5.x prior to 5.3. This issue stems from improper error handling during the installation process when the database server is unreachable, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could be exploited by attackers without authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the install.php script which serves as the initial setup interface for Drupal installations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise web applications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure handling of database connection failures within the installation routine. When the database server cannot be reached during installation, the system attempts to modify the settings.php configuration file without proper validation or sanitization of input parameters. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious code through specially crafted requests that manipulate the installation process, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability operates under CWE-20, which classifies it as a weakness involving improper input validation and insecure direct object references that can lead to code injection.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to Drupal installations as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without requiring any authentication credentials. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise, including data theft, service disruption, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the web server, modify content, or even escalate privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited during the initial installation phase when security controls may be less stringent and administrators may not yet have implemented full security hardening measures.
The attack vector for this vulnerability involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the install.php script that trigger the database connection failure scenario. When the system attempts to write to settings.php during this failure state, the malicious input is processed without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject PHP code that gets executed by the web server. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries execute code through web-based interfaces. Organizations running vulnerable Drupal versions are at significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools and does not require any specialized knowledge to implement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5593 primarily involve upgrading to Drupal 5.3 or later versions where the installation process has been properly secured against this type of injection attack. Additionally, administrators should implement proper network segmentation to isolate database servers from web-facing components, ensure that installation scripts are removed or secured after initial setup, and deploy web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious requests. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling configuration files and database connectivity failures in web applications. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues across their Drupal installations.