CVE-2012-5589 in MultiLink
Summary
by MITRE
The MultiLink module 6.x-2.x before 6.x-2.7 and 7.x-2.x before 7.x-2.7 for Drupal does not properly check node permissions when generating an in-content link, which allows remote authenticated users with text-editing permissions to read arbitrary node titles via a generated link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5589 affects the MultiLink module version 6.x-2.x prior to 6.x-2.7 and 7.x-2.x prior to 7.x-2.7 within the Drupal content management system. This security flaw resides in the module's handling of node permissions during link generation processes, creating a significant access control weakness that impacts the overall security posture of Drupal installations. The vulnerability specifically targets the authorization mechanisms that should prevent users from accessing content they are not permitted to view, demonstrating a critical failure in the permission validation system.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the MultiLink module's link generation algorithm where it fails to properly validate node access permissions before creating in-content links. When authenticated users with text-editing privileges generate links to nodes, the system does not adequately verify whether these users should have access to the target content. This oversight allows malicious actors to construct links that reveal node titles, effectively bypassing the intended access controls that should restrict users to content they are authorized to view. The vulnerability manifests through the manipulation of link generation parameters that should normally be restricted based on user permissions and node access levels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables unauthorized access to potentially sensitive content metadata. Remote authenticated users can exploit this weakness to gather intelligence about available content, identify unpublished or restricted nodes, and potentially map the structure of the Drupal site's content repository. This information gathering capability represents a significant risk for organizations relying on Drupal for content management, particularly those handling confidential or proprietary information where unauthorized access to content titles could lead to further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges beyond basic text-editing permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5589 involve immediate patching of the MultiLink module to versions 6.x-2.7 or 7.x-2.7 and later, which contain the necessary permission validation fixes. Organizations should also implement comprehensive access control reviews to ensure proper node-level permissions are configured and monitored. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting privileges to gain unauthorized access. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual link generation patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other modules or components that might exhibit similar permission validation flaws, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.