CVE-2009-3206 in ImageCache
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the ImageCache module 5.x before 5.x-2.5 and 6.x before 6.x-2.0-beta10, a module for Drupal, allow remote authenticated users, with "administer imagecache" permissions, to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2019
The CVE-2009-3206 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the ImageCache module for Drupal platforms, affecting versions 5.x prior to 5.x-2.5 and 6.x prior to 6.x-2.0-beta10. This vulnerability specifically targets authenticated users who possess administrative privileges for managing image cache configurations, creating a significant security risk within Drupal-based web applications. The flaw allows malicious actors with appropriate permissions to inject arbitrary web script or HTML code through unspecified vectors, potentially compromising the integrity and security of the entire Drupal installation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the ImageCache module's handling of user-supplied data. When administrators configure image cache actions or manipulate image processing parameters, the module fails to properly sanitize or escape user inputs before rendering them in web pages. This weakness creates an environment where crafted malicious payloads can be executed within the context of other users' browsers, enabling attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications where improper validation of input leads to execution of malicious scripts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables authenticated attackers to leverage their administrative privileges for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker with "administer imagecache" permissions can manipulate the module's configuration to inject persistent XSS payloads that affect all users who view affected pages. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, potentially leading to complete compromise of the Drupal site's user data and session information. The vulnerability essentially transforms legitimate administrative functionality into a weapon for executing unauthorized code against other users, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators have broad access privileges.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through patching to the latest stable versions of the ImageCache module. The recommended mitigation involves upgrading to ImageCache module versions 5.x-2.5 or 6.x-2.0-beta10, which contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation measures and consider restricting administrative privileges to minimize the attack surface. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in image cache configuration changes, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically JavaScript, as it enables execution of malicious scripts within user browsers through the compromised administrative interface. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers as an additional defense-in-depth measure to mitigate the impact of potential XSS exploitation attempts.