CVE-2010-3092 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
The upload module in Drupal 5.x before 5.23 and 6.x before 6.18 does not properly support case-insensitive filename handling in a database configuration, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass the intended restrictions on downloading a file by uploading a different file with a similar name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3092 represents a critical flaw in Drupal's file upload and download module functionality that stems from improper handling of case-insensitive filename comparisons within database configurations. This issue affects Drupal versions 5.x prior to 5.23 and 6.x prior to 6.18, creating a security gap that allows authenticated users to circumvent intended file access controls through strategic filename manipulation. The flaw specifically manifests when the system's database configuration does not properly account for case-insensitive file name comparisons, enabling attackers to exploit this inconsistency for unauthorized file access.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the database query logic that processes file name lookups during upload and download operations. When Drupal stores file information in its database, it performs case-insensitive comparisons to check for existing files with similar names. However, the implementation fails to maintain consistent case handling between the upload and lookup processes, creating a scenario where an attacker can upload a file with a name that appears different but matches the existing file name in a case-insensitive manner. This discrepancy allows malicious users to bypass intended file restrictions and potentially access files they should not be authorized to download.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access bypass, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and information disclosure. An authenticated user can exploit this weakness to upload a file with a carefully crafted name that matches an existing restricted file in a case-insensitive comparison, effectively gaining access to files that should remain protected. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-200, which addresses improper restriction of information disclosure, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access through social engineering or account compromise. The vulnerability essentially undermines the integrity of Drupal's file access control mechanisms.
Organizations running affected Drupal versions should immediately implement the available patches released by the Drupal security team, specifically upgrading to Drupal 5.23 or 6.18 and later versions. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring of file upload activities and database queries related to file operations. The mitigation strategy should include verifying that database configurations properly handle case-sensitive comparisons and implementing proper input validation for file names during upload processes. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of file access controls and monitor for any suspicious file upload patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network-level restrictions and access controls can provide defense-in-depth protection against potential exploitation of this vulnerability.