CVE-2012-1589 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in the Form API in Drupal 7.x before 7.13 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via crafted parameters in a destination URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1589 represents a critical open redirect flaw within Drupal 7.x versions prior to 7.13, specifically affecting the Form API component. This security weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate destination URLs through crafted parameters, creating a pathway for malicious redirection that can be exploited to deceive users into visiting unauthorized websites. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of URL parameters within the form processing mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious redirect targets that bypass normal security checks.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs within the Drupal Form API where destination parameters are processed without adequate verification of their legitimacy. When users submit forms containing destination URLs, the system fails to properly validate whether these URLs point to legitimate internal resources or external malicious domains. This processing gap creates an opportunity for attackers to craft specially formatted URLs that contain malicious redirect targets, which are then executed when users navigate through the vulnerable application. The vulnerability specifically affects the way Drupal handles the destination parameter in form submissions, where the system does not sufficiently validate or sanitize the URL components before allowing redirection to occur.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1589 extends beyond simple redirection attacks, as it provides attackers with a vector for conducting sophisticated phishing operations. When users are redirected to malicious sites through this vulnerability, they may be tricked into entering sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, or financial details on fake websites that mimic legitimate services. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is particularly concerning in web applications where users frequently submit forms containing destination parameters, as it allows attackers to create convincing phishing scenarios that can bypass traditional security measures. This type of attack can result in significant data breaches, credential theft, and reputational damage to organizations running vulnerable Drupal installations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Drupal 7.13 or later versions where this vulnerability has been patched, as well as implementing additional security controls such as destination URL validation and sanitization. The fix implemented in Drupal 7.13 addresses the core issue by strengthening input validation for destination parameters and ensuring that only legitimate internal URLs are processed for redirection. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious URL patterns and establish proper access controls for form submissions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 open redirect vulnerabilities and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Initial Access' and 'Credential Access' phases, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper input validation in web application security frameworks, particularly in content management systems where form handling is a fundamental component. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor validation gaps can create significant security risks when exploited in combination with social engineering tactics. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their Drupal installations to identify other potential vulnerabilities, as this incident underscores the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust input sanitization practices across all application components.