CVE-2012-5544 in Mandrill
Summary
by MITRE
The Mandrill module 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.2 for Drupal allows remote authenticated users to obtain password reset links by reading the logs in the Mandrill dashboard.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5544 affects the Mandrill module version 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.2 within the Drupal content management system. This security flaw represents a significant information disclosure weakness that compromises the integrity of user authentication mechanisms. The issue specifically manifests when authenticated users with appropriate privileges access the Mandrill dashboard, where password reset links are inadvertently exposed through log file contents. This vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of Drupal installations that utilize the Mandrill module for email delivery services, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to user accounts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate logging practices within the Mandrill module's integration with Drupal's user management system. When password reset functionality is triggered through the Mandrill module, the system generates log entries containing sensitive password reset tokens or links. These log entries are not properly sanitized or restricted in access, allowing authenticated users to view the Mandrill dashboard logs directly. The flaw exists because the module fails to implement proper access controls or log sanitization measures that would prevent sensitive information from being exposed to users who should not have access to such credentials. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of Information Exposure, specifically related to improper restriction of information access. The issue demonstrates a classic case of insufficient privilege separation and inadequate logging security practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5544 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a pathway for account takeover attempts and credential harvesting. An attacker with valid user credentials can leverage this vulnerability to obtain password reset links for other users within the Drupal site, potentially enabling them to reset passwords and gain unauthorized access to accounts. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access to the system, meaning that attackers could exploit it through compromised legitimate user accounts or by obtaining valid credentials through other means. The exposure of password reset tokens through logs represents a direct threat to the principle of least privilege, as users who should only have access to their own account information can potentially access sensitive data belonging to other users. The vulnerability also creates audit trail complications, as security monitoring systems may inadvertently log sensitive information that should remain protected.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Mandrill module version 7.x-1.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the logging issue. System administrators should also review and restrict access to Mandrill dashboard logs, implementing proper access controls and privilege management to prevent unauthorized viewing of sensitive information. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which focuses on credential harvesting through various attack vectors including information disclosure vulnerabilities. Additional protective measures include implementing proper log sanitization practices, establishing regular security audits of module configurations, and ensuring that sensitive information is not stored in plain text within log files. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive dashboard areas. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper information flow control and demonstrates how seemingly minor logging implementation flaws can create significant security risks in web application environments.