CVE-2012-2064 in Views Lang Switch
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in theme/views_lang_switch.theme.inc in the Views Language Switcher module before 7.x-1.2 for Drupal allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the q parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2021
The CVE-2012-2064 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Views Language Switcher module for Drupal platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 7.x-1.2 and resides in the theme/views_lang_switch.theme.inc file, making it a targeted attack vector for malicious actors seeking to exploit web application security weaknesses. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content through manipulation of the q parameter, which is commonly used for URL routing and path handling within Drupal's architecture. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic XSS attack pattern where user-controllable input is not properly sanitized or escaped before being rendered in web pages.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Views Language Switcher module processes the q parameter without adequate input validation or output encoding. When a user navigates to a page that utilizes this module, the malicious payload contained within the q parameter gets executed in the context of the victim's browser session. This allows attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious websites, or executing unauthorized commands on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages Drupal's core URL handling mechanisms and the module's theme rendering functions, which are frequently used components in Drupal websites. The attack requires minimal privileges as it targets the web application layer rather than requiring system-level access or administrative credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2064 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete session hijacking and potential privilege escalation within affected Drupal installations. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, execute scripts that steal authentication tokens or redirect users to phishing sites. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor input sanitization practices that are common in web application security. The flaw affects any Drupal site using the Views Language Switcher module, making it a widespread concern across numerous websites and organizations that rely on this popular module for multilingual content management. Organizations may experience data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential compromise of entire web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2064 focus primarily on immediate patching and implementation of proper input validation measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to the patched version 7.x-1.2 or later of the Views Language Switcher module, which includes proper sanitization of the q parameter. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their Drupal installations, particularly for parameters that are used in URL routing and theme rendering. Security headers such as Content Security Policy should be implemented to prevent unauthorized script execution and provide additional defense in depth. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection attacks. Regular security audits and automated vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other modules and custom code implementations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting known XSS patterns and parameter manipulation attacks.