CVE-2011-4972 in Ckeditor Module
Summary
by MITRE
hook_file_download in the CKEditor module 7.x-1.4 for Drupal does not properly restrict access to private files, which allows remote attackers to read private files via a direct request.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4972 resides within the CKEditor module version 7.x-1.4 for Drupal platforms, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of web applications relying on this content management system. This issue specifically affects the hook_file_download function which is designed to manage file access permissions within Drupal's file handling architecture. The flaw manifests when the module fails to properly validate and restrict access to private files, creating an avenue for unauthorized data exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the CKEditor module's file download handler. When a remote attacker constructs a direct request to access private files through the module's hook_file_download functionality, the system does not properly authenticate or authorize the request before granting access. This represents a classic bypass of access control checks that should normally be enforced by Drupal's core file management system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4972 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can lead to significant information disclosure attacks that may compromise sensitive data stored within Drupal applications. Private files accessed through this vulnerability could contain confidential documents, user data, system configurations, or other sensitive materials that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this flaw from any location without physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications handling sensitive information. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through unauthorized access.
Organizations utilizing Drupal with the affected CKEditor module version face substantial risk from this vulnerability, as it essentially removes the access controls that protect private file repositories. The attack surface includes any Drupal installation where CKEditor is enabled and configured to handle file uploads, particularly in environments where sensitive data is stored in private file directories. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader assessment of file access controls within web applications, as it demonstrates how third-party modules can introduce critical security gaps. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing and code review processes for contributed modules, as the flaw exists in the module's core file handling logic rather than in the Drupal core itself. Mitigation strategies should include immediate module updates to patched versions, implementation of additional access controls, and thorough review of file access permissions within the application environment.