CVE-2009-4532 in Webform
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Webform module 5.x before 5.x-2.8 and 6.x before 6.x-2.8, a module for Drupal, allows remote authenticated users, with webform creation privileges, to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a field label.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-4532 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Drupal Webform module, affecting versions prior to 5.x-2.8 and 6.x-2.8. This vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of field labels, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected web applications. The issue manifests when authenticated users possessing webform creation privileges manipulate field labels, exploiting the module's insufficient input sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically within the web application's user interface rendering components where form field labels are processed and displayed to end users. This weakness directly impacts the integrity of web applications built on the Drupal platform, particularly those utilizing the Webform module for creating and managing online forms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the Webform module's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input when processing field labels. When an authenticated user with appropriate privileges creates or modifies a webform field, the module accepts raw input without adequate validation or sanitization of potentially malicious content. This inadequate input handling creates a persistent XSS vector where malicious scripts embedded within field labels can be executed when the form is rendered to other users. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS attack since the malicious content is stored within the application's database and executed whenever the affected form is accessed. This flaw specifically aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses that allow attackers to inject malicious code into web applications. The attack occurs within the context of the victim's browser session, making it particularly dangerous for users who may be authenticated with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4532 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised web application. An attacker with webform creation privileges can inject scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify form behavior, or even execute arbitrary commands on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only minimal privileges within the Drupal system, making it particularly concerning for organizations where form creation rights are granted to multiple users. When combined with the broader ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and credential theft, potentially enabling lateral movement within the application ecosystem. The impact is amplified when considering that many organizations rely heavily on Drupal-based webforms for sensitive data collection, making this vulnerability a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise user data or gain unauthorized access to backend systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4532 primarily focus on immediate remediation through version updates, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases of the Webform module. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Webform module versions 5.x-2.8 or 6.x-2.8, which include proper input sanitization measures and enhanced validation of field labels. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege management is essential, ensuring that only trusted users possess webform creation capabilities. Input validation and sanitization should be enforced at multiple layers, including application-level filtering of user-supplied content and output encoding of all dynamic data. Security headers such as Content Security Policy can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to mitigate potential XSS impacts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security audits to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of updated modules to ensure that security fixes do not introduce regressions in functionality while maintaining the integrity of existing webform configurations and user data.