CVE-2012-2073 in Bundle copy
Summary
by MITRE
The Bundle copy module 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.1 for Drupal does not check for the "use PHP for settings" permission while importing settings, which allows remote authenticated users with certain permissions to execute arbitrary PHP code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2073 affects the Bundle copy module version 7.x-1.x prior to 7.x-1.1 in the Drupal content management system. This security flaw resides within the module's handling of settings import processes and represents a critical authorization bypass that enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the module processes imported settings without properly verifying whether the authenticated user possesses the necessary "use PHP for settings" permission, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and permission checking mechanisms within the Bundle copy module's settings import functionality. When an authenticated user with sufficient privileges attempts to import settings through the module, the system fails to validate whether the user has the appropriate authorization level to execute PHP code within the Drupal environment. This oversight creates a dangerous condition where malicious actors can leverage the import mechanism to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code, effectively bypassing normal security controls that would otherwise prevent such operations. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the attack could be triggered through various methods during the settings import process, making the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Drupal installations using the affected module. An attacker who can authenticate to the system with appropriate permissions can escalate their privileges to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as modifying or deleting content, accessing sensitive data, installing backdoors, or using the compromised system as a staging point for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to Bundle copy module version 7.x-1.1 or later, which includes proper permission checking for settings imports. The mitigation strategy should also involve implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to administrative interfaces and monitoring for suspicious import activities. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected module and ensure proper access controls are in place. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for administrative accounts and regular security audits of module configurations can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP, highlighting the need for robust input validation and permission enforcement mechanisms in web applications.