CVE-2009-2291 in LoginToboggan
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in LoginToboggan 6.x-1.x before 6.x-1.5, a module for Drupal, when "Allow users to login using their e-mail address" is enabled, allows remote blocked users to bypass intended access restrictions via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2291 affects the LoginToboggan module for Drupal, specifically versions 6.x-1.x prior to 6.x-1.5. This issue manifests when the module's configuration allows users to log in using their email addresses rather than usernames, creating a potential security gap in access control mechanisms. The vulnerability represents a critical flaw in the authentication system that could enable unauthorized access to restricted resources.
The technical flaw resides in the module's handling of user authentication when email-based login is enabled. When a user account is blocked or disabled within the Drupal system, the LoginToboggan module fails to properly enforce these access restrictions during the authentication process. This allows malicious actors or compromised accounts to bypass intended access controls through unspecified vectors that exploit the module's email validation logic. The vulnerability essentially creates a pathway for blocked users to regain access to systems they should be restricted from accessing, undermining the fundamental security principle of access control enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access attempts. Attackers could potentially leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges, access sensitive data, or perform actions within the Drupal system that would normally be restricted to legitimate users. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for security administrators who cannot easily predict or defend against all potential attack scenarios. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise if not addressed promptly.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and could potentially map to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to LoginToboggan version 6.x-1.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the access control bypass. Additionally, administrators should review their Drupal configurations to ensure that email-based login is only enabled when absolutely necessary, and that proper access control policies are implemented through other means. Regular security audits and monitoring of authentication logs should be conducted to detect any potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining up-to-date security patches across all Drupal modules to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future.