CVE-2009-4518 in Insertnode
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Insert Node module 5.x before 5.x-1.2 for Drupal allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an inserted node.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2019
The CVE-2009-4518 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Insert Node module for Drupal version 5.x prior to 5.x-1.2. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically targeting web applications that fail to properly validate and sanitize user input. The Insert Node module was designed to facilitate the insertion of content nodes into Drupal websites, but the implementation contained a significant security oversight that allowed malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted input.
The technical flaw manifests when the module processes user-supplied data without adequate sanitization mechanisms. Attackers could inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content through the node insertion process, which would then be executed in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visited pages containing the compromised content. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the trust relationship between the web application and its users, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or privileged access. The flaw essentially bypasses the normal input validation procedures that should prevent malicious code from being stored and executed within the web application's content management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or theft. When successfully exploited, the XSS attack could enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of website content, and redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects all users who interact with the Drupal website through the Insert Node module, potentially compromising thousands of users depending on the website's traffic. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Phishing, where the malicious script could be delivered through compromised content. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be triggered through legitimate content creation processes, making it difficult to detect and prevent.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to the patched version 5.x-1.2 of the Insert Node module or migrating to a supported Drupal version that includes proper input sanitization. Additionally, administrators should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and implement proper input validation at multiple points within the application. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper secure coding practices and the necessity of validating all user inputs before processing them within web applications. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious script patterns within content management systems, and regular security audits should verify that all modules and themes adhere to security best practices. This vulnerability also highlights the critical need for maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing comprehensive security testing procedures before deploying any web application modifications.