CVE-2009-4065 in Strongarm module
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the settings page in the Strongarm module 6.x before 6.x-1.1 for Drupal allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the value field when viewing overridden variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2017
The CVE-2009-4065 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Strongarm module for Drupal 6.x versions prior to 1.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the settings page functionality where overridden variables are displayed, creating a significant security risk for Drupal websites utilizing this module. The flaw exists in the way the module processes and renders user input within the value field, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output encoding within the Strongarm module's administrative interface. When administrators or users with appropriate privileges view overridden variables through the settings page, the module fails to properly escape or validate the content entered into the value field. This lack of proper sanitization creates an environment where malicious payloads can be stored and subsequently executed when legitimate users access the affected page. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies it as a Cross-Site Scripting attack, specifically targeting the improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browser of any user who views the affected settings page, potentially leading to complete compromise of user sessions and unauthorized access to administrative functions. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the vulnerability exists in the administrative interface that may be accessible to users with basic administrative rights.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1566.001 for Phishing and T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to deliver malicious payloads through web-based interfaces. The attack chain typically involves an attacker identifying a vulnerable Drupal installation with the Strongarm module, accessing the administrative settings page, and injecting malicious scripts that persist until the module is updated or the page is refreshed. The persistence of the vulnerability means that even after initial exploitation, the malicious content remains active until proper patching occurs.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the Strongarm module to version 6.x-1.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls, database-level sanitization, and regular security audits of installed modules. The mitigation strategy should also include monitoring for suspicious activity in administrative interfaces and implementing least privilege access controls to limit exposure. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected modules and ensure that all Drupal installations maintain current security patches to prevent similar cross-site scripting vulnerabilities from compromising their environments.