CVE-2012-2729 in SimpleMeta
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerabilities in the SimpleMeta module 6.x-1.x before 6.x-2.0 for Drupal allow remote attackers to hijack the authentication of administrators for requests that (1) delete or (2) add a meta tag entry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2019
The CVE-2012-2729 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw within the SimpleMeta module for Drupal versions 6.x-1.x prior to 6.x-2.0. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative functionality of Drupal websites, creating a significant security risk that could allow remote attackers to execute unauthorized actions with elevated privileges. The flaw exists in the module's handling of user authentication and request validation processes, particularly when administrators interact with meta tag management features.
The technical implementation of this CSRF vulnerability stems from the absence of proper authenticity tokens or validation mechanisms in the SimpleMeta module's administrative forms. When administrators access the meta tag management interface, the module fails to verify that requests originate from legitimate administrative sessions. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or email attachments that, when visited by authenticated administrators, automatically submit requests to the vulnerable Drupal site. These requests can either delete existing meta tag entries or add new ones, potentially compromising the site's metadata configuration and overall content management structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification, as it directly compromises administrative privileges and site integrity. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF vulnerability can manipulate the site's meta tags to redirect traffic, inject malicious content, or disrupt normal website operations. The ability to delete meta tag entries could remove important SEO configurations or security headers, while adding malicious entries could introduce harmful redirects or tracking mechanisms. This vulnerability particularly affects Drupal 6.x installations where the SimpleMeta module is enabled, creating a persistent risk for organizations relying on outdated software versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2729 primarily focus on immediate remediation through module updates and enhanced security practices. Organizations should immediately upgrade to SimpleMeta module version 6.x-2.0 or later, which includes proper CSRF protection mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and authentication token verification within the module's administrative interfaces would address the underlying flaw. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls with CSRF protection capabilities and conducting regular security assessments of Drupal installations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses cross-site request forgery weaknesses, and follows patterns commonly seen in ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of keeping content management systems updated and maintaining proper security hygiene in web applications. Organizations should establish comprehensive patch management processes that prioritize security updates, particularly for modules that handle administrative functions. Regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the Drupal ecosystem, while proper security monitoring can detect attempts to exploit CSRF weaknesses. The vulnerability also demonstrates the need for developers to implement robust authentication mechanisms and validation checks in all administrative interfaces, regardless of the application's complexity or the perceived security risk level.