CVE-2010-2471 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
drupal6 version 6.16 has open redirection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2471 affects Drupal version 6.16 and represents a critical open redirection flaw that allows attackers to manipulate user navigation through maliciously crafted URLs. This vulnerability specifically impacts the Drupal content management system's handling of redirect parameters, creating a pathway for attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web addresses. The flaw resides in how the system processes redirect URLs, particularly when validating user input that should be restricted to internal domain paths. According to the CWE database, this corresponds to CWE-601 which categorizes open redirect vulnerabilities as weaknesses that enable attackers to redirect users to malicious sites by exploiting improperly validated redirect parameters. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited in phishing attacks where users are tricked into visiting malicious websites that appear to be legitimate Drupal sites. The attack vector typically involves crafting URLs with malicious redirect parameters that bypass the normal validation checks implemented by Drupal's security mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within Drupal's redirect handling code. When users are redirected after authentication or other actions, the system accepts redirect URLs without proper sanitization of the target domain. This allows attackers to construct URLs that point to external domains while maintaining the appearance of legitimate Drupal navigation. The flaw affects the core redirect functionality that is used throughout the Drupal framework for user authentication flows, administrative operations, and various user-facing navigation elements. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as part of the Initial Access phase, specifically utilizing the T1566.001 technique related to Spearphishing via Email, where the malicious redirects serve as a delivery mechanism for social engineering attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create convincing phishing pages that exploit the trust users have in legitimate Drupal sites, making the attack more successful in deceiving victims.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2471 extends beyond simple redirection attacks and creates significant security risks for organizations using Drupal 6.16. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to conduct sophisticated phishing campaigns that can harvest user credentials, install malware, or redirect users to sites hosting malicious content. The vulnerability affects not only end users but also administrators who might be tricked into visiting malicious URLs during authentication processes. Organizations running vulnerable Drupal installations face potential data breaches, credential theft, and reputational damage when attackers successfully exploit this open redirection flaw. The impact is particularly severe because Drupal 6.16 was widely deployed across numerous websites, making the attack surface substantial. Security professionals must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability in their risk assessments, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more complex attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and the need for robust security measures in web application frameworks. Organizations may need to implement additional monitoring and filtering mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all Drupal installations are updated to versions that properly address this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the dangers of running outdated software versions that may contain known security flaws.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2471 involve immediate patching of affected Drupal installations to versions that properly address the open redirection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper input validation measures and URL sanitization to prevent malicious redirect parameters from being processed. Network-level filtering and monitoring solutions can help detect suspicious redirect patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should be implemented to help users recognize phishing attempts that may exploit this vulnerability. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in other web applications and frameworks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining comprehensive security hygiene practices and the need for continuous monitoring of security advisories and updates from software vendors. Organizations should establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security fixes and reduce the window of exposure to known vulnerabilities.