CVE-2012-1646 in FAQ
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the FAQ module 6.x-1.x before 6.x-1.13 and 7.x-1.x-rc1 for Drupal allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) title parameter in faq.admin.inc or (2) detailed_question parameter in faq.module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2012-1646 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Drupal's FAQ module versions 6.x-1.x prior to 6.x-1.13 and 7.x-1.x-rc1. This vulnerability affects the content management system's ability to properly sanitize user input, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts within the context of other users' browsers. The issue specifically targets two parameters within the FAQ module's administrative interface and core functionality, demonstrating how seemingly innocuous content management features can become vectors for sophisticated attacks.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation and output encoding within the FAQ module's handling of user-supplied data. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by submitting malicious payloads through the title parameter in faq.admin.inc or the detailed_question parameter in faq.module, both of which are used to store and display FAQ content. When these parameters contain unescaped HTML or JavaScript code, the system fails to properly sanitize the input before rendering it in web pages, allowing the injected scripts to execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who view the affected content. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, redirect users to malicious websites, or harvest sensitive information from authenticated sessions. Since the vulnerability affects authenticated users, attackers can leverage existing privileges within the Drupal system to inject malicious code into the FAQ content management system. This creates a persistent threat vector that can affect any user who views the compromised FAQ entries, potentially compromising the entire Drupal site's security posture. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the FAQ module.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1646 involve immediate patching of the affected Drupal FAQ module versions to the patched releases 6.x-1.13 and 7.x-1.x-rc1. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation measures and output encoding for all user-supplied content within the FAQ module. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all Drupal modules to identify similar vulnerabilities and establish proper content sanitization protocols. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through social engineering and malicious content injection, emphasizing the importance of proper input sanitization in preventing such attacks.