CVE-2009-4559 in Submitted By
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Submitted By module 6.x before 6.x-1.3 for Drupal allows remote authenticated users, with "administer content types" privileges, to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an input string for "submitted by" text.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-4559 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Submitted By module for Drupal version 6.x prior to 6.x-1.3. This issue specifically targets the content management system's handling of user-generated content within the administrative interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts in the context of affected users' browsers. The vulnerability exists within the module's processing of the "submitted by" text field, which is commonly used to display author information for content items. The flaw is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated users with administrative privileges, specifically the "administer content types" permission, to exploit the vulnerability, making it accessible to users who already have significant access to the system.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the Submitted By module's codebase. When administrators modify content type settings or create new content, the module processes user input without proper sanitization of potentially malicious script code. This failure in input validation creates an environment where crafted input strings containing HTML or JavaScript code can be stored and subsequently executed when the page is rendered to other users. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through the module's administrative interface, where the "submitted by" text field is manipulated to include malicious payloads. The flaw aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities resulting from inadequate input sanitization, and demonstrates how improperly validated user input can lead to persistent security issues within web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker with "administer content types" privileges could inject scripts that steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even modify content in ways that compromise the integrity of the entire Drupal installation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for persistent XSS attacks where the malicious code remains embedded in the system and executes whenever affected pages are viewed. This creates a long-term threat vector that could remain undetected for extended periods, potentially compromising multiple users who access the affected content. The attack vector requires minimal privileges compared to other XSS vulnerabilities, making it an attractive target for internal threat actors or compromised administrative accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4559 should prioritize immediate patching of the Submitted By module to version 6.x-1.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output sanitization measures to prevent similar issues in other custom modules or core components. The principle of least privilege should be strictly enforced, ensuring that administrative users have only the permissions necessary for their specific roles. Network monitoring and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by detecting and blocking suspicious input patterns. Regular security audits of Drupal modules and core components should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles, particularly focusing on preventing XSS through proper sanitization techniques. Organizations should also implement regular security training for administrators to recognize potential exploitation vectors and maintain updated security configurations across all Drupal installations.