CVE-2012-2083 in fusion
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the fusion_core_preprocess_page function in fusion_core/template.php in the Fusion module before 6.x-1.13 for Drupal allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the q parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2021
The CVE-2012-2083 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Fusion module for Drupal, specifically affecting versions prior to 6.x-1.13. This vulnerability resides in the fusion_core_preprocess_page function located in fusion_core/template.php, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit web application security weaknesses. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code through manipulation of the q parameter, which is commonly used for path resolution in Drupal's URL handling system. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws according to the Common Weakness Enumeration standards.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the fusion_core_preprocess_page function fails to properly sanitize or escape user input from the q parameter before incorporating it into the page rendering process. This inadequate input validation creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The q parameter typically handles path information for Drupal's internal routing mechanism, making it a natural target for injection attacks. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL with a specially formatted q parameter containing script tags or other HTML content, the vulnerable function processes this input without proper sanitization, allowing the malicious code to persist and execute when other users view the affected pages.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2083 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal user sessions, potentially gaining unauthorized access to administrative accounts or user data. The vulnerability affects the entire Fusion module ecosystem, making it particularly dangerous for Drupal sites that rely on this module for their theme functionality. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers can use the XSS to deliver malicious payloads that further exploit user trust. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it affects the core template processing functionality, meaning that any page rendered through the Fusion module could potentially serve as an attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2083 primarily focus on immediate patching of the Fusion module to version 6.x-1.13 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious q parameter values containing script tags or other malicious patterns. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth by restricting script execution and preventing unauthorized code injection. Regular security audits and code reviews should specifically target template processing functions to identify similar vulnerabilities in other modules or custom code. Security teams should also consider implementing automated monitoring for unusual parameter patterns in web logs, as this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct URL manipulation, form submissions, or even through social engineering techniques that encourage users to click malicious links. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices as recommended by OWASP security guidelines and the Drupal security team's best practices for module development.