CVE-2012-2727 in Janrain Capture
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in the Janrain Capture module 6.x-1.0 and 7.x-1.0 for Drupal, when synchronizing user data, allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via a URL in the destination parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2018
The CVE-2012-2727 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw within the Janrain Capture module for Drupal platforms, specifically affecting versions 6.x-1.0 and 7.x-1.0. This vulnerability resides in the user synchronization functionality of the module, which is designed to integrate external identity providers with Drupal's user management system. The flaw occurs when the module processes user data synchronization requests and fails to properly validate or sanitize URL parameters that are used to determine destination paths after authentication or account creation processes. This oversight creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the redirection logic and direct users to arbitrary web addresses without proper validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the module's destination parameter handling mechanism. When Drupal processes user synchronization requests through the Janrain Capture module, it accepts a destination parameter that specifies where users should be redirected upon successful authentication or account creation. The vulnerability manifests when this parameter is not properly sanitized or validated, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that bypass normal security checks. This flaw aligns with CWE-601, which categorizes open redirect vulnerabilities as weaknesses that enable attackers to redirect users to untrusted websites. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users interact with web applications regularly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple redirection, as it enables sophisticated phishing attacks that can compromise user credentials and sensitive information. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that appear legitimate but redirect users to phishing sites designed to capture login credentials, personal information, or financial data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Drupal-based systems handle sensitive user data and authentication processes. Security researchers have documented how such open redirect vulnerabilities can be leveraged in targeted attacks, where attackers create convincing fake login pages that mimic legitimate corporate or service portals. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects both Drupal 6 and 7 versions, and the module's functionality is commonly used in web applications that require third-party identity management integration, making it a prime target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2727 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patches or upgrading to versions of the Janrain Capture module that have addressed the validation flaw. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as URL filtering and content inspection systems that can detect and block suspicious redirection attempts. From a defensive perspective, implementing proper input validation at the application level and using allow-list approaches for destination parameters can prevent unauthorized redirection. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering through phishing attacks, making it essential for security teams to monitor for unusual redirection patterns in their web application logs. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their Drupal installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other contributed modules, as the presence of one such flaw often indicates broader security gaps in the application architecture.