CVE-2008-0276 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Devel module before 5.x-0.1 for Drupal allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a site variable, related to lack of escaping of the variable table.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2018
The CVE-2008-0276 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Devel module for Drupal versions prior to 5.x-0.1. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the module's handling of site variables. The Devel module, designed primarily for development and debugging purposes, provides administrators with tools to inspect database queries, view variables, and perform various diagnostic functions. However, the vulnerability arises when the module fails to properly escape user-controllable data before rendering it in web pages, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of affected users' browsers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without adequate sanitization or escaping. The flaw manifests in the variable table handling within the Devel module, where site variables containing user-supplied content are directly rendered without proper HTML escaping. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious payloads through carefully crafted site variable values that are subsequently displayed to administrators or other users who access the Devel module interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the administrative interface level, potentially enabling attackers to execute scripts in the context of privileged users with elevated permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-0276 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the Drupal environment. When administrators access the Devel module to view site variables, any malicious code injected into these variables executes with the privileges of the administrator user. This creates potential for session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the Drupal installation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator session cookies, modify site configuration, or even escalate privileges within the Drupal system. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the fact that site variables are often stored in the database and displayed across multiple administrative interfaces, amplifying the attack surface.
From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communication through web scripting and credential access via session hijacking. The attack chain typically begins with an attacker identifying a Drupal site with the vulnerable Devel module installed, followed by injection of malicious code into site variables through various means including direct database manipulation or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The module's design as a development tool means it is often enabled in production environments, though typically by administrators with elevated privileges, making the potential impact significantly greater than in typical user-facing components. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms, regularly update their Drupal installations, and disable development modules in production environments to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0276 primarily involve immediate patching of the Devel module to version 5.x-0.1 or later, where the escaping issues have been addressed. System administrators should also implement proper access controls to limit who can modify site variables within the Drupal administration interface. Additional defensive measures include regular security audits of installed modules, implementation of web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious activity in administrative interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping practices, particularly in modules that handle user-supplied data. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies to further limit the impact of potential XSS attacks, and maintain comprehensive backup strategies to quickly restore systems in case of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and adherence to security best practices for content management systems can prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the Drupal ecosystem.