CVE-2008-4597 in Shindig-Integrator
Summary
by MITRE
Shindig-Integrator 5.x, a module for Drupal, does not properly restrict generated page access, which allows remote attackers to gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2018
The CVE-2008-4597 vulnerability affects Shindig-Integrator 5.x, a Drupal module designed to integrate with Google's Shindig platform for social web applications. This module serves as a bridge between Drupal content management systems and social networking features, enabling the display of gadgets and social content within Drupal websites. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the module's page generation and permission handling systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to restricted administrative functions through unspecified attack vectors that bypass normal security checks.
The technical flaw manifests in the module's failure to properly validate and restrict access to generated pages and administrative interfaces. When the Shindig-Integrator module processes requests for social content or administrative functions, it does not adequately verify user permissions or enforce proper access controls. This allows remote attackers to manipulate request parameters or exploit specific pathways within the module's code to bypass authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor access point where unauthorized users can escalate their privileges from regular user status to administrative levels without proper authorization. The unspecified vectors suggest that the attack could occur through various methods including parameter manipulation, session hijacking, or exploiting specific code paths within the module's implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for Drupal websites utilizing the Shindig-Integrator 5.x module. An attacker who successfully exploits this privilege escalation vulnerability can gain full administrative control over the affected Drupal site, potentially leading to complete compromise of the web application and underlying infrastructure. This includes the ability to modify or delete content, alter user permissions, install malicious modules, access sensitive data, and perform other administrative functions. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the server or local network. Organizations using this module face risks including data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the nature of the compromised data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4597 should prioritize immediate patching of the Shindig-Integrator module to the latest secure version that addresses the access control vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions and monitoring to detect suspicious access patterns or unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of all Drupal modules in use, particularly those handling social integration features, and implement proper input validation and access control checks. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar access control weaknesses in other components of the web application stack. The module should be removed entirely from systems where it is not essential, and alternative social integration solutions should be evaluated for security compliance before implementation.