CVE-2012-1635 in revisioning
Summary
by MITRE
The hook_node_access function in the revisioning module 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.3 for Drupal checks the permissions of the current user even when it is called to check permissions of other users, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions, as demonstrated when using the XML sitemap module to obtain sensitive information about unpublished content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1635 resides within the revisioning module version 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.3 for the Drupal content management platform, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of the affected system. This issue manifests in the hook_node_access function which fails to properly validate user permissions when processing access requests for content that belongs to other users rather than the currently authenticated user. The flaw creates a scenario where unauthorized access can occur through manipulation of the permission checking logic, allowing attackers to bypass intended security restrictions that should prevent access to unpublished content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation within the revisioning module's node access hook, which is designed to control access to Drupal content nodes. When the hook_node_access function processes requests for content permissions, it incorrectly evaluates access rights based on the current user context instead of properly checking the permissions of the user whose access is being requested. This misimplementation creates a privilege escalation vector where remote attackers can exploit the module's logic to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core access control mechanism of Drupal, affecting how the system determines who can view, edit, or manage content within the platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to obtain sensitive data about unpublished content through the XML sitemap module. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on Drupal for content management, as unpublished content often contains confidential information, draft materials, or proprietary data that should remain inaccessible to unauthorized users. The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, and compliance violations that may affect organizations across various industries including healthcare, finance, government, and technology sectors. The fact that the vulnerability is demonstrated through the XML sitemap module indicates that attackers can systematically harvest information from content that should be restricted, potentially leading to comprehensive data exfiltration campaigns.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of improper access control implementation that aligns with CWE-285, which addresses insufficient authorization within software systems. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials and privilege escalation, as the vulnerability allows unauthorized access through manipulation of existing permission checking mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to revisioning module version 7.x-1.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper permission validation. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation, monitor access logs for suspicious activity, and conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper access control implementation in web applications and demonstrates how flaws in core security mechanisms can have cascading effects throughout an entire system architecture.