CVE-2012-6065 in OM Maximenu
Summary
by MITRE
The OM Maximenu module 6.x-1.43 and earlier for Drupal, when the "Title has PHP" option is enabled, allows remote authenticated users with the "Administer OM Maximenu" permission to execute arbitrary PHP code via a "Link Title," a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-5553.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2018
The CVE-2012-6065 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the OM Maximenu module for Drupal platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 6.x-1.43 and earlier, creating a dangerous attack vector for malicious actors who possess legitimate administrative privileges. The flaw manifests when the "Title has PHP" option is enabled, which essentially allows the module to execute PHP code contained within menu link titles. This configuration creates a dangerous precedent where authenticated users with the specific permission "Administer OM Maximenu" can leverage this functionality to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the module's processing of menu link titles. When the "Title has PHP" option is enabled, the system fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied content before executing it as PHP code. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability pattern, where user-controllable data flows directly into an execution context without proper sanitization. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the Drupal content management system's menu handling functionality, making it particularly dangerous within web application environments where Drupal modules are commonly deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6065 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to completely compromise the affected Drupal installation. An authenticated attacker with the required permission can execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the deployment of backdoors. This vulnerability essentially allows attackers to elevate their privileges within the application context and could enable them to access sensitive data, modify content, or even use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks against the broader network infrastructure. The attack requires only a single authenticated user with specific administrative permissions, making it particularly concerning for organizations that maintain multiple administrative accounts.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple mitigation strategies to protect their Drupal installations. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the OM Maximenu module, which would address the improper input handling and code execution flaws. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict the "Administer OM Maximenu" permission to only essential personnel, effectively reducing the attack surface. The principle of least privilege should be strictly enforced, ensuring that users have only the minimum permissions necessary for their roles. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual PHP code execution patterns within menu configurations, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other Drupal modules. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper validation of dangerous data within interpreted code contexts, and could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains.