CVE-2013-2247 in Fast Permission Administration
Summary
by MITRE
The Fast Permissions Administration module 6.x-2.x before 6.x-2.5 and 7.x-2.x before 7.x-2.3 for Drupal does not properly restrict access to the modal content callback, which allows remote attackers to obtain unspecified access to the permissions edit form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2247 affects the Fast Permissions Administration module within the Drupal content management system, specifically targeting versions 6.x-2.x prior to 6.x-2.5 and 7.x-2.x prior to 7.x-2.3. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of Drupal installations relying on this module. The vulnerability stems from improper access restrictions implemented within the module's modal content callback functionality, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to bypass normal permission checks and gain access to sensitive administrative interfaces. The affected module is designed to provide streamlined permission management capabilities, but the flaw allows attackers to exploit a weakness in the access control mechanism that governs who can view and modify user permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the module's access control validation process specifically when handling modal dialogs used for permission administration. When users attempt to access the permissions edit form through the modal interface, the module fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges. This flaw typically manifests through direct access to URL endpoints or through crafted requests that bypass normal authentication flows. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.101 for valid accounts and T1068 for additional privileges. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute privilege escalation attacks, potentially gaining administrative control over entire Drupal installations. The unspecified nature of the access granted suggests that attackers might be able to view, modify, or delete permission configurations, which could lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2247 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent security risk for organizations using vulnerable Drupal installations. Once exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to modify user permissions, potentially creating backdoor accounts or elevating existing user privileges to full administrative status. The implications are particularly severe for organizations that rely heavily on Drupal's role-based access control system, as the vulnerability undermines the fundamental security architecture. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Drupal sites are publicly accessible. The risk is compounded by the fact that many organizations may not regularly audit their installed modules, leading to prolonged exposure periods. Organizations using affected versions should immediately implement mitigation strategies including module updates, access control hardening, and network segmentation to protect against potential exploitation attempts.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of the Fast Permissions Administration module to versions 6.x-2.5 or 7.x-2.3, which contain the necessary access control fixes. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected module across their infrastructure, as the vulnerability affects both Drupal 6 and 7 installations. Additionally, organizations should implement network-based access controls to restrict access to administrative interfaces, employ web application firewalls to detect and block exploitation attempts, and establish monitoring procedures to identify unauthorized access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor functionality can introduce critical security risks when access controls are improperly implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations and regular security audits to prevent similar issues from arising in other modules or components of their Drupal installations.