CVE-2008-0275 in Atom Module
Summary
by MITRE
The Atom 4.7 before 4.7.x-1.0 and 5.x before 5.x-1.0 module for Drupal does not properly manage permissions for node (1) titles, (2) teasers, and (3) bodies, which might allow remote attackers to gain access to syndicated content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0275 affects the Atom module in Drupal versions prior to 4.7.x-1.0 and 5.x-1.0, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of content management systems. This issue specifically targets the module's handling of node-level permissions within syndicated content delivery mechanisms, creating potential pathways for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper management of permissions for three distinct node components: titles, teasers, and bodies. When Drupal generates Atom feeds for syndication purposes, the module fails to adequately verify user permissions before exposing sensitive content elements. This misconfiguration allows remote attackers to access content that should be restricted based on user roles and access controls, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries that protect confidential or unpublished material.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on Drupal for content management, particularly those with sensitive or restricted information. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to unpublished articles, private content, or restricted sections of websites that utilize the Atom syndication module. The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as compromised content may include proprietary data, internal communications, or other sensitive materials that could be leveraged for further attacks or business disruption.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms in software applications, and demonstrates how syndication features can inadvertently introduce security weaknesses. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this issue maps to privilege escalation and credential access tactics, as attackers can exploit the permission bypass to gain access to content they should not be authorized to view. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over network protocols without requiring authentication credentials, making it accessible to anyone with network access to the vulnerable system.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the Atom module, reviewing and strengthening access control policies for syndicated content, and implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that permission settings function correctly across all content types and user roles. Security teams should also consider implementing network-level controls to restrict access to syndication endpoints and conduct regular audits of content publication settings to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other modules or custom code implementations.