CVE-2013-4445 in Context
Summary
by MITRE
The json rendering functionality in the Context module 6.x-2.x before 6.x-3.2 and 7.x-3.x before 7.x-3.0 for Drupal uses Drupal s token scheme to restrict access to blocks, which makes it easier for remote authenticated users to guess the access token for a block by leveraging the token from a block to which the user has access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4445 affects the Context module in Drupal versions 6.x-2.x prior to 6.x-3.2 and 7.x-3.x prior to 7.x-3.0. This security flaw resides within the JSON rendering functionality of the Context module, which is designed to manage and deliver contextual content blocks based on specific conditions and user states. The module's implementation creates a significant access control weakness that undermines the intended security boundaries between different user roles and content access levels. The vulnerability specifically impacts how the module handles token-based access restrictions for blocks, creating a scenario where authenticated users can exploit legitimate token generation mechanisms to infer or deduce access tokens for blocks they should not be able to view.
The technical flaw manifests through the module's reliance on Drupal's token system as a means of access control for block rendering. When the Context module generates JSON responses for block content, it incorporates tokens that are supposed to restrict access to specific blocks based on user permissions and roles. However, the implementation fails to properly randomize or sufficiently obfuscate these tokens, allowing malicious users to leverage known tokens from accessible blocks to predict or guess tokens for protected content. This weakness creates a path for privilege escalation where users can systematically discover valid tokens through pattern recognition and token manipulation techniques. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-287 Improper Authentication and CWE-306 Missing Authentication for Critical Function, as it undermines the authentication mechanisms that should protect access to restricted content within the Drupal platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables authenticated users to access content blocks that should only be visible to specific user roles or permissions. Attackers can systematically enumerate access tokens for different blocks within the system, potentially gaining access to sensitive information, administrative interfaces, or restricted content that should be protected from unauthorized viewing. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on the Context module for managing dynamic content delivery and user-specific experiences. The ease with which tokens can be guessed or derived makes this a significant risk for Drupal installations where user authentication is required but access control is not properly enforced. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 Data from Information Repositories, as it provides unauthorized access to data repositories through weakened access control mechanisms.
Organizations should immediately update their Drupal installations to versions 6.x-3.2 or 7.x-3.0 of the Context module to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy includes not only applying the security patch but also reviewing and validating all token-based access controls within the Drupal environment. System administrators should implement additional monitoring for unusual access patterns and token usage that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper token management and access control implementation in web applications, particularly in content management systems where user roles and permissions are critical for maintaining information security. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security layers such as rate limiting for token requests and enhanced logging of access control events to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust authentication mechanisms and proper access control enforcement in web applications.