CVE-2012-2707 in Hostmaster
Summary
by MITRE
The Hostmaster (Aegir) module 6.x-1.x before 6.x-1.9 for Drupal does not properly exit when users do not have access to package/task nodes, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions and edit unauthorized nodes.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2019
The CVE-2012-2707 vulnerability affects the Hostmaster module version 6.x-1.x before 6.x-1.9 in Drupal platforms, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of user permissions and node access controls within the Aegir hosting platform framework. The Hostmaster module serves as a core component for managing Drupal sites and their configurations through the Aegir hosting system, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on automated site management and deployment workflows.
The technical flaw manifests in the module's improper exit handling when users attempt to access package or task nodes without adequate permissions. This occurs due to insufficient validation of user access rights before allowing operations on sensitive node types. When unauthorized users attempt to interact with these nodes, the module fails to properly terminate the access attempt or redirect the user to appropriate error handling mechanisms. This design oversight creates a pathway for remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions, effectively allowing them to edit nodes they should not have authorization to modify. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation and access control enforcement within the module's node handling routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to potentially modify critical hosting configuration data, alter site deployment workflows, or manipulate package definitions that govern how Drupal sites are managed within the Aegir environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify site configurations, or disrupt hosting operations that depend on the integrity of package and task nodes. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in shared hosting or multi-tenant environments where multiple users interact with the same Aegir instance. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete compromise of the hosting platform's administrative functions.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to Hostmaster module version 6.x-1.9 or later, which includes proper access control enforcement and exit handling mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network-level monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to package and task nodes within their Aegir installations. The remediation process should include thorough review of existing access controls and user permissions to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive hosting configuration data. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their Drupal installations to identify any other modules that might exhibit similar access control flaws. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues, and represents a clear violation of the ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage legitimate access paths to bypass intended security controls. The incident underscores the critical importance of proper access control implementation in web application frameworks and highlights the potential for seemingly minor implementation flaws to create significant security risks in complex hosting environments.