CVE-2008-4152 in Talk
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Talk module 5.x before 5.x-1.3 and 6.x before 6.x-1.5, a module for Drupal, allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a node title.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2018
The CVE-2008-4152 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Talk module for Drupal platforms, affecting versions 5.x prior to 5.x-1.3 and 6.x prior to 6.x-1.5. This vulnerability specifically targets the node title parameter handling within the Talk module, which is designed to facilitate discussion and commenting features within Drupal websites. The flaw exists in the module's insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected websites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated users with appropriate permissions submit node titles containing malicious script code. The Talk module fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before rendering it within web pages, allowing the injected code to execute in the browsers of other users who view the affected content. This creates a classic reflected XSS scenario where the malicious payload is stored in the database and subsequently executed when legitimate users access the affected node titles. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning users with minimal privileges can potentially compromise the entire website's security.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of website content, and redirection to malicious sites. The compromised website can become a vector for distributing malware to visitors, while the attacker can potentially access sensitive user data or manipulate the website's functionality. The vulnerability undermines the trust and integrity of the Drupal platform, as it allows unauthorized code execution within the context of legitimate user sessions. Security researchers have classified this issue under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting vulnerabilities in software applications, highlighting the fundamental flaw in input sanitization and output encoding practices.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and data exfiltration. Attackers can craft malicious node titles that contain JavaScript payloads designed to steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even execute commands on the server if additional vulnerabilities exist. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly within content management systems where user-generated content is prevalent. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Talk module, implementing proper content filtering, and establishing robust input sanitization procedures. The incident underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on defensive measures against injection attacks and ensuring proper security controls are in place for user-generated content handling.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend to the overall security posture of Drupal installations, as it highlights the importance of module security auditing and timely patch management. Legacy systems often contain such vulnerabilities due to extended support periods without proper security updates, making them attractive targets for attackers. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor components within web applications can represent significant security risks when proper security controls are not implemented. Organizations should establish comprehensive security monitoring procedures to detect and respond to similar vulnerabilities, while also ensuring that all third-party modules undergo regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in the application ecosystem.