CVE-2012-1645 in CDN
Summary
by MITRE
The CDN module 6.x-2.2 and 7.x-2.2 for Drupal, when running in Origin Pull mode with the "Far Future expiration" option enabled, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary PHP files via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by reading settings.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1645 affects the Content Delivery Network module for Drupal versions 6.x-2.2 and 7.x-2.2 when configured in Origin Pull mode with Far Future expiration enabled. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to access sensitive PHP files on the server through unspecified attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of file delivery mechanisms in CDN configurations, creating an unauthorized access pathway that can be exploited without authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and file access controls within the CDN module's Origin Pull functionality. When the Far Future expiration option is enabled, the module's caching and delivery mechanisms become susceptible to manipulation through crafted requests that can bypass normal file access restrictions. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack pathways may exist, potentially involving manipulation of URL parameters, cache headers, or request routing mechanisms that the module fails to properly validate or sanitize. This allows attackers to traverse the file system and access PHP files that should remain protected, with settings.php being the primary target demonstrating the severity of potential exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides attackers with access to critical system configuration files that contain database credentials, encryption keys, and other sensitive information necessary for maintaining system integrity. The ability to read settings.php specifically exposes database connection details and administrative credentials, potentially enabling complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this access to escalate privileges, modify system configurations, or extract sensitive data that could be used for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects systems where the CDN module is actively deployed and configured with the vulnerable settings, creating a persistent threat vector that remains active until properly patched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1645 require immediate patching of the affected Drupal CDN module versions to the latest secure releases that address the file access validation issues. Organizations should disable the Far Future expiration option in Origin Pull mode configuration until the module is updated, and implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-200 Information Exposure categories, representing a classic case of inadequate input validation that allows unauthorized file system access. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1566 Phishing, as it enables attackers to discover and extract sensitive configuration files that can be used for further exploitation or credential harvesting. System administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify all affected installations and ensure that the CDN module is properly configured with appropriate access controls and file validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.