CVE-2012-2730 in Protected Node
Summary
by MITRE
The Protected Node module 6.x-1.x before 6.x-1.6 for Drupal does not properly "protect node access when nodes are accessed outside of the standard node view," which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2730 affects the Protected Node module version 6.x-1.x prior to 6.x-1.6 in the Drupal content management system. This security flaw represents a critical access control bypass issue that undermines the fundamental security model of Drupal's node access system. The vulnerability specifically targets the module's inability to properly enforce access restrictions when nodes are accessed through non-standard pathways, creating a significant gap in the platform's security framework.
The technical flaw stems from improper implementation of access control checks within the Protected Node module. When nodes are accessed through standard viewing mechanisms, the module correctly enforces access restrictions based on user permissions and role assignments. However, when users attempt to access nodes through alternative methods or direct URL access patterns, the module fails to validate whether the requesting user should have access to the specific node content. This inconsistency creates a pathway for unauthorized users to bypass the intended access controls and view restricted content that should only be available to specific user roles or groups.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risk to organizations relying on Drupal for content management with sensitive or restricted information. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain access to confidential documents, private articles, user data, or any content that should be protected by the platform's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability affects not only the confidentiality of the content but also potentially violates data protection regulations and organizational security policies. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security architecture that could enable further exploitation or escalation attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for phishing attacks that could leverage this weakness. Organizations using the affected Drupal module should immediately implement the available patch version 6.x-1.6 to address this vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of their Drupal installations to identify any other modules that might exhibit similar access control bypass behaviors. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and access logs should be reviewed for any suspicious activity related to node access requests. The remediation process should include not only patching the specific module but also verifying that all related access control mechanisms function properly across the entire Drupal platform to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in other components.