CVE-2012-5655 in Context
Summary
by MITRE
The Context module 6.x-3.x before 6.x-3.1 and 7.x-3.x before 7.x-3.0-beta6 for Drupal does not properly restrict access to block content, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5655 affects the Context module for Drupal, specifically versions 6.x-3.x before 6.x-3.1 and 7.x-3.x before 7.x-3.0-beta6. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of Drupal installations relying on the Context module for content management and block configuration. The vulnerability stems from improper access restriction mechanisms within the module's block content handling functionality, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical flaw manifests in the Context module's failure to properly validate and enforce access controls when processing block content requests. When attackers craft specific HTTP requests targeting block content managed by the Context module, they can bypass the intended permission checks that should restrict access to sensitive information. This weakness allows remote adversaries to retrieve content that should normally be accessible only to authenticated users with appropriate privileges, effectively creating a information disclosure vulnerability that can expose confidential data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information leakage, as it can enable attackers to gather intelligence about the system's internal structure, user permissions, and potentially sensitive content that should remain protected. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could obtain detailed information about the Drupal site's configuration, user roles, and block assignments that would normally be restricted to authorized administrators. This information can then be used to plan more sophisticated attacks or to understand the system's security landscape. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of content management and access control within Drupal, making it particularly dangerous for sites that rely heavily on contextual content delivery.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting remote services to gain unauthorized access. Organizations running affected Drupal versions should immediately apply the available security patches to mitigate this risk. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to the patched versions of the Context module, specifically 6.x-3.1 and 7.x-3.0-beta6 or later. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level access controls, monitor for suspicious requests targeting block content, and conduct regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and strengthen their access control policies within Drupal installations to minimize the impact of similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other modules or components of the system.