CVE-2008-4790 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
The core upload module in Drupal 5.x before 5.11 allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and read "files attached to content" via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4790 represents a critical access control flaw within the Drupal content management system's core upload module. This issue affected Drupal 5.x versions prior to 5.11 and specifically targeted the file attachment functionality that users could access through content creation and editing interfaces. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation mechanisms that fail to properly enforce user permissions when accessing files associated with content items, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to bypass intended security controls. The flaw manifests when users with specific privileges attempt to access files that should be restricted based on their role or content ownership, allowing unauthorized retrieval of attachments that were meant to be protected from certain user groups.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the core upload module's failure to properly validate access requests for files attached to content items. When an authenticated user submits a request to access a file attachment, the system should verify that the requesting user has appropriate permissions to view that specific file based on content ownership, user roles, or other access control policies. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to exploit unknown vectors that bypass these validation checks, potentially enabling them to retrieve files that should only be accessible to content owners, administrators, or users with specific privileges. This weakness operates at the intersection of access control and file management systems, where the boundary between authorized and unauthorized access becomes compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the content management system's security architecture. An authenticated attacker could potentially access sensitive files that were attached to content items, including documents, images, or other media that might contain confidential information, proprietary data, or intellectual property. The vulnerability affects all authenticated users within the system, meaning that even users with basic permissions could exploit this flaw to access restricted content. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Drupal for content management, particularly those handling sensitive data or requiring strict access controls. The attack vector involves leveraging legitimate user credentials to access files that should be protected by the system's permission model.
Security mitigation for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of the affected Drupal 5.x installations to version 5.11 or later, where the access control mechanisms have been properly implemented. Organizations should also conduct thorough audits of their file attachment permissions and review user role configurations to ensure that appropriate access controls are in place. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a classic example of insufficient authorization checks within web applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and credential access techniques, as attackers can leverage their authenticated status to gain access to restricted resources. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access control checks within file management modules should become a standard practice for all content management systems to prevent similar issues from occurring in future deployments.