CVE-2012-0827 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
The File module in Drupal 7.x before 7.11, when using unspecified field access modules, allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary private files that are associated with restricted fields via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0827 represents a critical access control flaw within the Drupal content management system affecting versions 7.x prior to 7.11. This issue specifically targets the File module's interaction with field access modules, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to bypass intended security restrictions. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify user permissions when accessing private files associated with restricted field types, allowing unauthorized data retrieval from the system's file storage.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors that leverage the interaction between the File module and field access control mechanisms. When Drupal processes requests for private files associated with restricted fields, the system fails to adequately authenticate and authorize access attempts, particularly when field access modules are in use. This creates a scenario where authenticated users can craft requests that bypass normal access controls, potentially accessing sensitive files that should only be available to users with appropriate permissions. The flaw exists at the intersection of file handling and field access control logic, where proper validation checks are either missing or inadequately implemented.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0827 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in Drupal's security model for managing restricted content. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access private documents, configuration files, user data, and potentially sensitive system information that should remain protected. The vulnerability affects organizations using Drupal 7.x installations with field access modules, creating a persistent risk for any system where users have legitimate access to the platform but should not be able to view restricted content. This weakness particularly impacts websites that handle sensitive data such as user profiles, internal documents, or confidential business information.
Organizations should immediately implement the patch released by Drupal for version 7.11, which addresses the core access control validation issues in the File module. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of their field access module configurations to identify any potential misconfigurations that could exacerbate the vulnerability. The remediation process should include verifying that all field access controls are properly configured and that appropriate user permissions are enforced. Additionally, implementing network-level monitoring and logging of file access attempts can help detect potential exploitation attempts. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls beyond just patch management.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation in content management systems, where the interaction between different modules can create unexpected security gaps. The flaw underscores the necessity of thorough security testing, particularly around module interactions and access control boundaries. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security layers such as web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their Drupal installations. The incident serves as a reminder that even authenticated users require proper validation when accessing restricted resources, and that access control mechanisms must be robust enough to prevent privilege escalation through module interaction flaws.