CVE-2009-1344 in Localization client
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Localization client module 5.x before 5.x-1.2 and 6.x before 6.x-1.7, a module for Drupal, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via input to the translation functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2017
The CVE-2009-1344 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Localization client module for Drupal content management systems. This vulnerability specifically affects Drupal versions 5.x prior to 5.x-1.2 and 6.x prior to 6.x-1.7, where the translation functionality fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it within web pages. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML code through the module's translation interface, creating a persistent security risk for affected Drupal installations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the module's handling of translated content, which directly aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. This weakness allows attackers to exploit the translation system as a vector for executing malicious code in the context of users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of Drupal's translation capabilities and user trust within the platform. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can manipulate translated content to include malicious JavaScript that executes whenever users view translated pages. This creates a persistent threat vector that can affect any user interacting with the vulnerable module, potentially leading to widespread compromise of user sessions and sensitive data exposure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where translation functionality is actively used. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that Drupal installations often serve as platforms for sensitive data management, making this vulnerability a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or exfiltrate information from organizations relying on the platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1344 require immediate attention through patch management and module updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases of the Localization client module. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Drupal 5.x-1.2 or 6.x-1.7 versions that contain proper input sanitization and output encoding fixes. The remediation process must also include thorough review of existing translated content to identify any potential malicious injections that may have occurred prior to patching. Security teams should implement additional monitoring of translation module usage and user-generated content to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing techniques related to web application exploitation and command injection. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in other modules or components of their Drupal installations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security audits and patch management processes, particularly for third-party modules that extend core platform functionality.