CVE-2011-4113 in Views
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the Views module before 6.x-2.13 for Drupal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via vectors related to "filters/arguments on certain types of views with specific configurations of arguments."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2019
The CVE-2011-4113 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Views module of Drupal CMS versions prior to 6.x-2.13. This vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of filters and arguments within certain view configurations, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization when processing user-supplied data through view arguments, particularly in scenarios where views are configured with specific argument types that do not properly escape or parameterize input values. The vulnerability affects Drupal 6.x versions and demonstrates the ongoing challenges in web application security where module-level flaws can compromise entire systems. This issue aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when attackers craft malicious input that gets processed through the Views module's argument handling mechanism. When views are configured with certain argument types such as those that accept user input directly without proper sanitization, the module fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This creates a scenario where attackers can inject malicious SQL fragments that execute with the privileges of the web application's database user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for complete database compromise, enabling attackers to extract sensitive information, modify data, or even escalate privileges to gain full system control. The attack vector requires minimal privileges as the vulnerability exists in the web application layer and does not require authentication to exploit.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4113 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data destruction. Organizations running affected Drupal installations face significant risk of unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and potential service disruption. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system. This makes it particularly attractive to automated attack tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise multiple systems. The impact is compounded by the fact that Views module is widely used, making the vulnerability prevalent across numerous Drupal installations. The flaw also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the dangers of insecure data handling practices within web applications, particularly those involving database interactions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4113 center around immediate patching and configuration hardening. Organizations must upgrade to Drupal 6.x-2.13 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input sanitization and parameterization of SQL queries. Additionally, administrators should review and modify view configurations to eliminate vulnerable argument types and implement proper input validation at multiple layers. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database accounts used by Drupal have minimal required permissions. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. This vulnerability exemplifies the ATT&CK technique of SQL injection and highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices and regular security assessments to prevent similar issues in the future. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.