CVE-2012-2712 in Search API
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Search API module 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.1 for Drupal, when supporting manual entry of field identifiers, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to thrown exceptions and logging errors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2018
The CVE-2012-2712 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Drupal Search API module version 7.x-1.x prior to 7.x-1.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of manual field identifier entry processes, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected Drupal installations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the module's error handling and logging subsystems, which are triggered during manual field identifier processing operations. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection, as it leverages the module's exception throwing and error logging capabilities to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users who interact with the affected system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when attackers manipulate the field identifier input fields within the Search API module's administrative interface. When the system encounters malformed or malicious input during manual entry, it generates thrown exceptions that are subsequently logged and displayed to users. The module's insufficient sanitization of these exception messages and error logs creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the browser context of legitimate users. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how improper handling of user-supplied data in error conditions can create persistent security weaknesses. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it exploits legitimate system functionality rather than requiring direct exploitation of core Drupal components, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2712 is significant for Drupal organizations relying on the Search API module, as successful exploitation can lead to complete session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized administrative access. Attackers can craft malicious field identifiers that, when processed and logged, deliver payloads that persistently compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the Drupal environment. The vulnerability affects any Drupal installation running the vulnerable Search API module version, particularly those with administrative users who regularly manage field configurations through the manual entry interface. This creates a substantial risk for content management systems that handle sensitive information, as the attack can be executed without requiring authentication to the underlying system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators frequently interact with field configuration interfaces.
Organizations should immediately implement the remediation measures provided by the Drupal security team, including upgrading to version 7.x-1.1 or later of the Search API module, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing strict input validation at the application level, configuring proper output encoding for all error messages and exception handling routines, and establishing network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious input patterns. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other modules or custom code that may exhibit similar error handling vulnerabilities, particularly those that process user input through exception throwing mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts through the web interface, and T1566 for phishing with social engineering, since the vulnerability can be exploited through deceptive field entry manipulation techniques that appear legitimate to administrators.