CVE-2008-0277 in Fileshare module
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Fileshare module for Drupal allows remote authenticated users with node-creation privileges to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0277 resides within the Fileshare module for the Drupal content management system, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of web applications relying on this platform. This issue affects versions of Drupal where the Fileshare module is installed and configured, creating a potential attack surface for malicious actors who possess legitimate user credentials with node-creation privileges. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors suggests that multiple attack pathways may exist within the module's implementation, making the threat assessment particularly challenging for security professionals tasked with defending against such exploits.
The technical flaw manifests through the exploitation of privilege escalation mechanisms within the Fileshare module, where authenticated users with minimal permissions can leverage their node-creation capabilities to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This represents a significant bypass of the intended access controls that should normally prevent users from performing system-level operations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and privilege management, where the module fails to adequately sanitize user inputs or enforce proper access boundaries when processing file sharing requests. The attack vector likely involves the manipulation of file upload processes or metadata handling within the node creation workflow, allowing malicious users to inject and execute code with the privileges of the web application itself.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for organizations using Drupal with the Fileshare module, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities on their web servers. The implications extend beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system, and the authenticated privilege requirement reduces the barrier to entry for exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have legitimate node-creation permissions. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal ramifications if such vulnerabilities result in unauthorized access to sensitive data or system disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0277 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Drupal installations, with administrators ensuring that all instances of the Fileshare module are updated to versions that address the vulnerability. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting node-creation privileges to only those users who absolutely require such permissions, thereby reducing the potential attack surface. Network segmentation and monitoring controls should be implemented to detect anomalous file sharing activities or code execution attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to further protect against similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how privilege escalation can lead to code execution. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of the Fileshare module and ensure proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized code execution through legitimate user accounts.