CVE-2012-1642 in linkchecker
Summary
by MITRE
includes/linkchecker.pages.inc in the Link checker module 6.x-2.x before 6.x-2.5 for Drupal does not properly enforce access permissions on broken links, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1642 affects the Link checker module version 6.x-2.x prior to 6.x-2.5 within the Drupal content management system. This security flaw resides in the includes/linkchecker.pages.inc file and represents a critical access control weakness that undermines the module's ability to properly authenticate and authorize user requests. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user permissions when processing requests related to broken link detection, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the module's failure to properly enforce access control mechanisms when handling requests for broken link information. Attackers can exploit this weakness through unspecified vectors to bypass normal permission checks and gain access to sensitive data that should only be available to authorized administrators or users with appropriate privileges. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where the system fails to verify that requesting users possess the necessary clearance to access specific information resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication credentials for the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to gather intelligence about the target system's internal structure and configuration. Remote attackers can potentially identify valid URLs, discover internal network resources, and map the application's link structure to plan more sophisticated attacks. This information can serve as a foundation for further exploitation attempts, including potential enumeration of system components, identification of vulnerable modules, or discovery of internal services that may be susceptible to additional attacks. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations running Drupal installations with the affected Link checker module, potentially exposing sensitive metadata and configuration information to unauthorized parties.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched version 6.x-2.5 of the Link checker module to remediate this vulnerability. The fix addresses the access control enforcement by implementing proper permission checks before allowing access to broken link information. Security administrators should also review their current Drupal installations to ensure all modules are updated to their latest secure versions. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and access control policies can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting privileges to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control weaknesses in other modules and components of the Drupal ecosystem.