CVE-2008-4793 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
The node module API in Drupal 5.x before 5.11 allows remote attackers to bypass node validation and have unspecified other impact via unknown vectors related to contributed modules.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4793 represents a critical security flaw in the Drupal content management system affecting version 5.x prior to 5.11. This issue resides within the node module API which serves as a fundamental component for managing content nodes within the Drupal framework. The vulnerability specifically targets the validation mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized access and ensure proper content handling. The affected system allows remote attackers to bypass essential node validation controls through unspecified vectors that are closely tied to contributed modules, which are third-party extensions that enhance Drupal's functionality. This creates a dangerous scenario where attackers can manipulate the core content management processes without proper authorization.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the node module API. When Drupal processes node-related operations such as creating, editing, or deleting content, it should perform strict validation checks to ensure that only authorized users can perform specific actions. However, the flaw allows attackers to exploit weaknesses in this validation process through contributed modules that extend Drupal's core functionality. These contributed modules often introduce additional code paths and interfaces that may not properly integrate with the main validation system, creating potential attack vectors. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning as it could be leveraged through various combinations of module interactions and user permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially enabling more severe consequences within Drupal installations. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could manipulate content in ways that compromise the integrity of the entire website, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized content publication, or even complete system compromise. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the description indicate that the consequences could range from information disclosure to privilege escalation, depending on the specific configuration and module combinations in use. Organizations running affected Drupal versions face significant risks as this vulnerability could be exploited by attackers with no local access requirements, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4793 focus primarily on upgrading to Drupal 5.11 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved validation mechanisms and enhanced access controls. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of their contributed modules to identify any potentially vulnerable extensions that might interact with the node module API in unexpected ways. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting module installations and ensuring that only trusted, well-maintained contributed modules are deployed. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it exploits weaknesses in access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to privileged functions within the Drupal system. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues in legacy systems and prevent exploitation of similar flaws in other components of the Drupal ecosystem.