CVE-2013-0259 in Boxes
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Boxes module 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.1 for Drupal allows remote authenticated users with administer or edit boxes permissions to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the subject parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2019
The CVE-2013-0259 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Boxes module for Drupal 7.x-1.x versions prior to 7.x-1.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of user input in the subject parameter, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by authenticated users who possess either administer or edit boxes permissions. The Boxes module serves as a content management tool that allows administrators to create and manage reusable content blocks, making it a significant component within Drupal's ecosystem. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the module's codebase, particularly when processing user-supplied data for display purposes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user with sufficient privileges submits malicious script code through the subject parameter of a boxes content block. When this malformed input is rendered on the page, the embedded scripts execute within the context of other users' browsers who view the affected content. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can be leveraged to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-site Scripting, specifically representing a stored XSS attack vector where malicious code is permanently stored on the server and executed whenever the compromised content is accessed. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application vulnerability that can be exploited for initial access and privilege escalation within web-based environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0259 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent footholds within Drupal installations. When combined with the existing permissions required for exploitation, attackers can manipulate content blocks to serve as attack vectors for more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, session hijacking, and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's persistence means that once exploited, the malicious code remains active until manually removed by administrators, potentially affecting all users who access the compromised content blocks. Organizations running affected Drupal installations face significant risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and compromise of user sessions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0259 focus primarily on immediate patching and access control measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Boxes module version 7.x-1.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Administrators should also implement the principle of least privilege by carefully reviewing and limiting user permissions, ensuring that only trusted individuals possess the administer or edit boxes permissions. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies, regular security audits of user-generated content, and monitoring for suspicious activity within the boxes module. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software components and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation layers as additional defensive measures to protect against similar XSS vulnerabilities in their web applications.