CVE-2009-3653 in XML Sitemap
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the additional links interface in XML Sitemap 5.x-1.6, a module for Drupal, allows remote authenticated users, with "administer site configuration" permission, to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors, related to link path output.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3653 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the XML Sitemap module version 5.x-1.6 for the Drupal content management system. This security weakness specifically affects the additional links interface component of the module, creating a potential avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized code within the context of affected web applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access with administrative privileges, making it exploitable by users who already possess significant control over the system's configuration parameters.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the link path handling mechanisms of the XML Sitemap module. When administrators interact with the additional links interface, the module fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in the web interface, allowing malicious scripts to be injected and subsequently executed in the browsers of other users who view the affected pages. This particular weakness falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which specifically addresses the injection of malicious scripts into web applications. The vulnerability operates through the manipulation of link path parameters within the module's administrative interface, where user inputs are not adequately escaped or validated before being rendered in HTML contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate their privileges and compromise the entire Drupal installation. An authenticated user with the "administer site configuration" permission can leverage this flaw to inject malicious code that could redirect users to phishing sites, steal session cookies, or even execute commands on the server if combined with other vulnerabilities. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates within the administrative interface where users already possess elevated privileges, making it easier for attackers to establish persistent access to the system. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it allows for the execution of arbitrary scripts within the web application context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3653 involve immediate patching of the XML Sitemap module to version 5.x-1.6 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and output encoding fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization procedures, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in HTML contexts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting administrative permissions to only those users who absolutely require them, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded and executed within the web application environment. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues within other modules and components of the Drupal installation, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web application security.