CVE-2012-4473 in Restrict node page view
Summary
by MITRE
The Restrict node page view module 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.2 for Drupal allows remote authenticated users with the "view any node page" or "view any node {type} page" permission to access unpublished nodes via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-4473 affects the Restrict node page view module version 7.x-1.x prior to 7.x-1.2 within the Drupal content management system. This security flaw represents a critical access control bypass that undermines the fundamental security model of Drupal's node visibility system. The module was designed to restrict access to node pages based on user permissions, yet it contained a significant implementation flaw that allowed unauthorized access to unpublished content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper permission validation within the module's node access control mechanisms. When authenticated users with the specific permissions "view any node page" or "view any node {type} page" made direct requests to unpublished nodes, the module failed to properly verify whether the requesting user should have access to that particular content. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and access control enforcement, where the module trusted the direct request without re-evaluating the user's authorization against the node's actual publication status.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for Drupal sites relying on the Restrict node page view module. Attackers could exploit this flaw to access sensitive unpublished content including draft articles, private documents, or confidential information that should only be visible to authorized personnel. This unauthorized access could lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, or exposure of sensitive organizational information. The vulnerability affects any Drupal 7 site using the affected module version, making it particularly dangerous given Drupal's widespread adoption across various organizations and industries.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, as the vulnerability exploits legitimate user permissions to gain access to content outside the intended scope. Organizations using Drupal systems should immediately implement the available patch for the Restrict node page view module to address this vulnerability. The fix involves updating to version 7.x-1.2 or later, which properly enforces access controls by validating node publication status against user permissions. Additionally, administrators should review and audit user permissions to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the specific "view any node page" and "view any node {type} page" capabilities. Regular security assessments and monitoring of module updates remain essential practices to maintain the security posture of Drupal installations against similar access control vulnerabilities.